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*;&*i^^^„_, , ^rfSii SiL^^i^*^

The Chriinti^n iv £ ad f b^

Sound KnO'vedge and love of the

Truih, logechc- w" b ^nwardpeace and

Spiiitua)] iov>t'"iro':gh 0)mmun-mi with

Chrill, iii the Ordinances of the

GofpeU.

C^'i^'ian R 5 A t r,

iis cnfuing difcourfe was prepared for the PicfTc by the Revtrend Author,and committed to one of us, that it might be made publike: of which we will fay nothing, but fliall freely venture it to ftand or fall by the p\vard of an impartial! jiuii^emcnt. Neither fh ill wee prefent thee with the Authors defervtd praifes/ceing his rare piaie and great learning weiefufficiently knov^-ne to very mary f,f various rankes, who were well icqiainted with him, and his workes already Printed have given a competent prnof hereof unto all others who have pcrufcdthcm without prf^judice and parcialitie.

K )nl\ by occafion or publilhing this pi. cc, wee crave leave to cieare him from fuch arpcrfions, r 5 by fome,

A have

The Efijlte

h avc cauiltfly bccnc caft upon him, and by others toe

much and too eafily believed agdnft ltinT,ta thii^ incident to men moflcnVmcnr, and innocent, asinftanccs in all Ages will cvincej not only to the blemirtiing of his JLift e(Hmation,but alfo(as we conccivejto the prejudice of tne truth it fclfe, and in favour of many fprcading cr-rours and exorbitance:.

Thofcafperfions which wee fliall endeavour to take off Zi c t wo, which though they openly contradii^ caci: other, yet they unhappily agree to defame our worthy friend, whofe credit wee judge our fclvcs many waycs bound to vindicare and preferVt

'i he one/mtimaang fomc degree v f declining from his former inconformitie, in dcfcrting the Nonconformifts caufe and grounds, being too iruch inclined to favour the times in our Ceremonies and Service book.

The othcr,cxpreffing his advancing beyond the wonted limets of a Nonconformift towards the caufe and courfe of feparatioQ.

Two things are pretended to confirme the former. I. A paflage in the Preface of his BooV c^Xicd^A friendly try all of the grounds tending to (epardtwi ^c, pag. 3. his words arc thcfe. Marty are the ohjeSims vphich are madi agaiftfi fit formes of Prayer , and fartieularlj agaiwB 9nr tooke of Common Prayer^ Allivhich 1 have endeavouredto anfwerfeverally^ not hecaufe they art of fo great weight., hut he caufe 1 dtfired fully tofatisfie every douht^^c. Secondly, that in the whole frame of the fame bookc he fpcakcs more covertly and coldly a^ainft the corruptions of our Church than became a man who continued ftcdfaft in the wayes of Nonconformity.

For Anfwer whcrcj ito. weaffirme in the Generall, That upon our knowledg he lived and dyed a ftrii^ for-bearerandfirraeoppofcrof all fuch corruptions as the Nonconformifls (heretofore foufually called) had commonly by their publike writings difallowcd. Nor have

we

the Rea3£r.

wee knowDC any man in that kiadc more prcdfe, imi* forrac, and conftantto his opinion in dircour{c,praycrs, and pra^iccs, yet alwaycscarried on with Chriftian moderation and ineckcncHc y which graces areof (ingular arcincontrovcificsofthisniturc : yea fomc of us can wicncflfc his purpofe, (if God had lent him longer lifc> by a fee Treatifctohaveflicwcd himfclfc a plaimifFcfor the N$ncoftfermiJls againft the corruptions in our Church, as in this hecappetres their defendant againft the Calumnies of CM^Jlcr Cm. Thtfc tcftimonies may fatisfiethc fober minded-that he continued cordial co the!: caufe; w'nercunto more might be added, butwcedefirc not to revive the remembrance of thcfc differences a-mongdeare brethren: Becaufc wee pray and hope that through Gods mercy-,Dy roeanes of our GracioHs Sove-reigne, and of the prefent Parliament, they will in fuch fort be buried, that they (lull arife no more to our diftm-bance and difcomfort.

More particularly to the pafTage objecfled out of the forecited Preface, we Anrwer,That the words thcmfclvs doe not neceflfariiy imply any (uch fenfcjbut they may ad-mit,yea they will carry a better conftru<5lion, if the Reader will be candid and well advifed. For he faith norjthat he hath anfwered the objcdions,as fuggefting little or nothing blameworthy in our Liturgie, but becaufe they arc no: of fo great weight as to inforce the unlawfuInelTc of thofe fct formes, or warrant a fcpaiation from our Churches, and publike worfliip in regard thereof. All which both the title of the Booke , and the tenour of the whole difcourfe therein, together with this Treatife exhibited will fufficicntly clcare unto the indifferent and attentive Reader. And that this was his meaning, fomc of us can teftific from his owne mouth, which alfo he would have manifcfled to the world (if God had lengthened his life) cither in an Epiftle annexed to this workc, now brought into the open light,oi fome other wayjas might have been judged moftcojivcnieflt. A 2 But

e^t. But voii will fay. 1 he othti ground of this imputation isa> rcprcgn..ni, for why did he not fpidkc our againft Thccoirupii.^nswf the tunes as others did^ N 7, why did hv Ic k roclea'c the book ^i Coinmon Prayer of /omc thir;gs cnai:>cdupon it ? Ai^fv, Two th niis we conce'^c nriy fully tjkeofFth- ftrength of this objc(^!on. i. Becaufc it was impertinent here to aggravate or aiultipiy corruptions objc^ed, but rather to fhirw, that as in fo/ne things the booke by them was o-verch irged, fo -lotwirhftandi/g all that could be ylledg-ed gauirtit, yc t frparation from our worfhip could not be lawfull', muchlcfle necefliuie.

2 The ftateofthofe times wherein this piece was penned would notbro >ke more plainnclTc in that and fuch like points5 this wc could fif it wlxc expedient) aboundantly evidence, by declaring with what difficultic it pafTcdthe Preffe, what excf ption<. were taken at (bnic harmeleflc cxprelTions5and whitamendmems were <"xa(5ied in fome phrafc s, which fcemed fomt what openly to hint the Authors heart-workings towards that Reformation which inthtfr rimes rs muchdefircd and endeavoured.

The fccond imputation remaines to be removedf'y/*.) that though nur Reverend Author had both reafoncd and written againft the opinions and pradiceof feparation in the time of his health, yet on his death bed he did rctradl, and wuh griefc rcpenr whatinthatkindchchad done.

This is commonly reporrcd, confidently believed, and gladly em.braccd, not only here at home, bur alfo in for-reig^e parts,cven in America,2s by divers letters and other . waycs fome of us have beene informed.

It is high rime thercfote to give open check unto thefc groundles rumours, left the caufe here maintained fho'ild thereby fufFe; prejudicc,cirherin the mindcs of them who are friends, or of thofc who be idverfarics thereunto. And for thi<^ end we inrrent the Rco'dcr firftto confidcrthat tbisjmputation being dircdly contrary to the fornjtr, ei-

• ' ' thcr

tothe Reader. ther they muft confute each other, or clfe argue the man ftrang'^ly light in wheeling from one excieame unto another, or guilty of a fowler fault, in writing one thing and thinking another; from both which charge s we afliirc our felveshisgieatfoliditiein j-jcigemenr, and pitticinpra-d\cc will fully abfolve him in th'^ confciences of all fuch who were acquainted with him

And as for others,we hope they may bee aboundantly fatisfied by the enlbing evidence.

Fii ft,in that fourc or five daycs before his drath he ex-prcfTed to Tome of us his willingncfleto have this Trea-lift prcfented to publikc view, which hee had compo-fed lince the former.

Secondly, fo foone as he had finiilicd this booV, he un-dertookealargeTreatifeof the Church, wherein he intended to difcover the nature of Schifme, and to dcalein the main controverfics couching the edence and government of the vifible Church.

Concerning thefe matters, we have alivoft fifty fheets of Paper written with his owne hand,wherein many paf-fages exprefle his continued diflike of the feparations, both then and now in pradice. And tbcfc writings, together with his other papers, he on his death bed committed to the care of fonie of us,to be difpofed of for private or publikc ufe, as we (hould judge expedient.

Had there beene any gricfc upon his Spirit, or alteration in his j udgeroent, in reference to what he had fpokea or primed againftthe fepararion, we know none fo likely to have beene acquainted therewith as our felves.For one of us dwelling nearc unto hijn,wasfor many years his bo-fome companion, and in his 'aH Icknefrefcldomefrom him. AnotherCbeing reque^-'2'^ during,his weaknefle, to fupply his place)rojourning in the fame towne, was daily with him.

The other three of us (being his familiar friends ) did ^U vifit; hiiDj wiihin one^ two or three daycs before his

TUEfiJlk

cad. We arc all of us, aiwc hope ^'though mofi unwor-thyyhc MiniftcTS of Ief»s chrtft^who dcfirc to be faithful. Andwc doe each for <Mir fclvcs fanoufly protcft in the

prcfeticc of Almighry God, that we never heard any fyU iabk from liim founciog that way.

Yea5il^rc is one :hmg more to be added, which may for cv^cTfiicncc allgaincfaycrs ( zf/z,,) That one of us thropgh Gods good providence, fufpcding what hath fince fallen our, and being dtfirous to prevent fuch falfe jiiinoui?s,v/ithin lefTc than two dayes before his death^and not many hourcs before he was fpecchleffe, asked him to thisefFed,Whethvit he had any remorfe or difquict in his mindc for any thing hee had written in oppofi ion to tfic way of Separation, whereto he'thus anfwercd, Ithanke God I have not art) , but I rather take comfort in rvhat 1 have done^ and could have Mftred ( if it hadbeene the will of God) ' tohdve livedd nubile bngert» have giv€n further afifldnce in that workt. And this queftion was propounded to him, and the Anfvvcr returned by him, not only in the audience of fomc other of uSj but alfo of fundry other godly friends,who can atteft the truth of this relation.

Laflly, We boldly challenge any perfon to come forth, and to make proofe either by word, or writing, that this Our Reverend brother either repented his paineSjOr changed his judgement againft the way of reparation • which jf he dial! accordingly doe, then will w.' be content to un-dergoethe fevertft rcnrijres,that are due unto unjuft fup-prcflbrs of the truth. But if any frling herein, fliall hereafter perfiff to promote cither by fcaitering or crediting the forenamed reports, wee leave them to the judgement of all indifferent men, wh'!ther they deferve not to be accounted defamcrs of die cieaJ, and lyars ag.iinft the truth, ifnotfubtile promoters of their owne caufeandcourfe, by pretending falfly the Patronage of their Adverfary, when they could not ffand before his Arguments.

JBut in probabilitic fame will thus reply to our Apo-

lo.

t^ ihe Reader.

logic. That if your kkpd did not r'-tradjthc niorc was his fin,and the Itfle his hoiK)ur. Uuto whom we rciuiric tlus anlwcr. That thiscenfurcftrorglyprcfuntshisfoimcr dilcourfc in tic niainc matter to be erroneous and unjufti-fiablc, whereas thai is the thing ftill in qucftionjandCas we vciily believe j cannot be folidly proved. And though our Reverend Brother be dead, ('vhom God had extraordinarily fitred for diiputes of this naturt:)yct'we doubt not but the Jiving Lord wil ralfc up for himfclf fome other in^ ftrumcnts to maintain the tiiith which he had undertaken. There is one thing more CChrif^ian Readcr)which wc dcfirc thee to takenoiicc of, viz,. Thar whereas i: is often reported, that this Authors former bookc was fully an-fwercd, before it pafTed the PreflVjand that therefore further anfwer there:oc«innot becexpcclcd,vvee iliall relate the truth for thy fatisfa(fiionin that particular.

Our worthy Brother, having by Cor.ferencefasfome of us, and others know^ with unfhakcn ftrcngrh defended the luwfulnesoffct formes of Prayer, he was afterwards by aLciter/entfromaworthy Gentleman, M. Richard Kmghtl)^it(\\iP.^zd to flatethatqucftion, then much in agitation, and to give in fome arguments for his perfon-all/eding. Hereupon in the (pace of one day fthe Mef-fengei ftaying for an anfwer to the letter^ he did fct down his judgmem, with fome grounds thereof, and fcntthem unto his much honoured friend: from w liom a copie be-. ing procured and conveyed into New £;i^^/W,itfeems an Anfwer was undenakcn by a reverend brother there. Inthemcanctime, the number of them incrcafing who withdrew themfclves from our Church Aflcmblies, be-cauf e of the Liturgic there ufcd, he was importuned both byMiniftcisand others froni .'ivcrs pans of thisKmg-domc, to take fome further ^>aines in that Controvcrfie. This occafioned the perufall of his former papas, and the examining of thofe Arguments which he met wkh-all,cithcr in Printed bookes^ManuidiptSj or the Relaii

The EpijVe

on of friends5again{lrhcure offet forms of prayer in ge-nerall, a^id ot our Common prnycr booke p^rciCularly. And thas :bc Embriobiggcned, and bring ready u) be brooght fvjtth into chel:gh!:,ananiw.ruiiio the Hi ft conceptions came to the Authors hand,whvtein was nothing matenallC'ji he conceived}butvvha: was avifwercd in the bookCjth n about tobe licenced : yet by reafon of fome cxceptio.is m another ramc luggcfted, he judged itfuf-cient to annex a few marginall notes unto his booke, as thounfiayeftobfervejpage 13, 15.24. 33. &c. being unwilling in a more open way to reply upon the private an-fwer of hirajwho'^ he highly prized, and intending (if God had fpaicd lifejto have returned more large and particular animadverfions to himfelfcln private.

The Almighty fpecdily caft out of his Church all cau-fes of offence, cleare up doubtfull truths unto the hearts of his people. Compound all differerices amongft Brethren, make us all of one minde, neart, and way in hi^ worlhip, that our divifions may no longer diflionoiu' the Gorpeij, diftrad the weak confcience,difinable us tc do that good •we defirc, or put weapons into t he hands of them who oppofcthat reformation, the pcrfe(Sling whereof our foules long for, through JesUs Christ.

T H OMAS LaNOLBY. WllLlAM RATHiJAND.

Simeon Ash, I'rancis Woodcock. George C& o s s b.

An Advcrtifement to the Reader-

THiii !Booh T^as divided andfent mto fi" Verall Trejjes^ that it might thi fo'mtr come ahrdady yet hy nafin of the multitude of Pamphlets ifhich it met with daily , it hath beenethrujiing through the throng for thefpAceif halfi ayeare at kaft^ before it cduUfee the li^ht. In which regard alfo, itpkadesexcufe^ ifintheprin^ ting it henot fomd eViry fi^ayf^ fun^udlyOS might btdefired.

Farewell

A 2

-'A

\\l

•«'->,

( )

THE

A iSF S W E R S

TO THE

EPISTLES.

fmmmm

mmm

Leffedbethe Lord, We fee now in iTheC».«. good mcafure, that accomplii]v cd which the Apoflle foretold, touching the rtvclition of the manoffinne, and heartily beg the full confuming of him by the brightncffeot^Chrifts comming.

But the d/fiover/e ofth't mjjlerie of iniquitie^andcdnftt* ming ofthxt monTler cfdbomindtions^ fliiyideth not infi' parntienfrom chriflianficietieiy tyitirely profefiing the true fAlth,\vorf})ij>ping the Lord with that pure worjhip, which he hath appointed^ and holding communion in thofi ordinances^ which God hath blefjed to tijt comfort of thou-finds and ten thoufands •, even their foules, who with mctfl bittemeffe ep^pofe thcQ congregations^^fever the) felt found

a 3 comfort

( )

i ^Cf/ifor tin deed. SefdrM'ien frQn. the true Churches of ' Chnfi^yhis O\iimfierynfidw0rfhfp ( of which fort I fhAtl trove that to hehy the fTord of Godjfor u,jich I plead) ten-deth not to the overthrow of Antichrifij but to the renting ef the church , the difgrace of Religion , the advance^ Mem of pride, fihifme.^ contention^the offence of the we^k, the griefe ofthefodly^ who be better fciled^ the hardening ^ the wicked and the recoverie or rifmg againe of {^nti^ chrijiianifme.

They thatcondemne om j^ffem^lies, J^'tnifierii , and Worfhip , and volmtarily Jepar ate from the preaching of the Word, Prayers y and Sacraments as Antiehrifltan, if in words they doe not maintaine Antichrili^ redly they doe him more credit than his chiefe upholders. For ofne^ cefsitic they muficonfeffe, that in Afttichriftian Churches the intire faith may be purely profeffed, the doBrine offal-vation plentifully preached^ thefeales of the covenant for AmhuiaLMc. fManecriMy admimflred, and by the hlefsin^of Cod ckiUus eH, fitndu' Upon his ownc meanes Chrtltianjomes ordinarily converted menmn Ecciefia fi- aftdnourijhed unto life etemail , which is much more than tfiiinET/4Z all the favors for ^ntichrifl jhall ever bee able to make ris. PeiraefiGh.i- goodi, andif true ^ nothing cmld be fpokenmore to the ftus. Hicron.is Pfa. p^^jC ^r AntichriUUnifme. In effe^,what doe they lef^e, ■ubifidei vc^efiAc- than evenperjecute the Lord leju4 m hts hoajt^ which they ckfiu Autem vera ii- yevik in his ordinances^ which they dijhonour, and in his S,"'S«S ftrvmts«.hefffjleps they^nder, Mgraces tbeydc omes has ccckftas Jpife^wkofe office ihcj trample upon with difdatnef Which fofiidtbaTit, A«gi» if the forward abators and promoters of this feparation %i (Jem mater eel did advifcdlj confidcr, and take the Lord before them ^

tleji.i, &Hberaejns

dua TeftatmiU divinar'/m Scr. h'mc fugatur lac omnium SatramefttsyumpreaUrm faliae Jto^rage" ftotum. Et In yfilm^ 11. VbicuTique t'metuy 'Deus & laudatuy ibi efi etciefia. Parkert Ep. pab-lifliedinthcprophaneSchifmc ofthc Browniftj. G aN Aftay ajainft ftraying, aafvy. §. 1. p. 44. Medium tenune beau. The true and pure worfhip of God is called grofle idolatry. Can ftay. §. 4. p, i %. Filthy fuperftiti on. Id, fcft.i.p. 4<?" Our aflemblics the harlots houfe.Id.fcft.^. p. <»i. The beft Preachers are the woi ft. Id.fcft. f.p.7^. In Scriptures a?c faidtobc Robbers and Thievs^yca fpiiitviall foiccrieis charged upouthein.Id.(e*t|).87,

they

{ )

they W6uld net furJoufiy brand and ah 4ndone that w or [hif andmimjieriey r^hich hath the Approbdtion, and carneth the feale of God. As it is unlaw full to apprsve that thing which ought to be fondemned^ Jo to co. dcrnne, what is to bee juflijied, much tntre to cafi off and reject thefe ^od/y ajfemblies, which Chrijl hath and doth grace wth theprrfcnceofhis grace^ asfalje\ and that wor(hip which is tendered to God alone, inthe mediation of ^efits Chrifi according to his will , ^ idolatry ^ and that ^Miniflerie which God hathj avd daily doth bleffej to the gaining and edifying of foules , unto life evtrlajitng , as C^nti-fhrifiian.

Humble mindcs arc afraid of novelties: Bui this c i n %.feft. *. tf the great eB no veltie that ever was heard of in the Chur- ?•"**♦ ches of the Saints. All that wefpeakwe iliowldaffirai out of the holy Scriptures j foundly interpreted^ and rightly applyed. But this judgement is not of God, ii

not taught in Scripture, is not confonant to the doci rine of c*^^ ^^y fe^-*« Chrift, our only cMaBer, asintheexammaticnofparif- l;,']^;^^ ovimAque cularsjhallbe j}Hwed? If it bee a great fmnetoberajh mdcntium pon'uur

and adventurous, upen opinions in matters of Religion, ijoim,iHsnd}n(ni wheremen are not fir ft well informed tn -judgement b-j i^^r.injcr.ii. o» true grounds of knowledge: What is it to condemne the ff:r,e dogm ctHt'cyi. churches,MMen, W>rjhip.«d Serves,ftk Lord ■^^;^^J-Jefus,againji the exprefe Sentence of our heavenly {JMa- t^covfiimU Main 0er and Teacher? IfanldollbcfctuplntheChurch, fen;i fua. mcv. i* when a new Opinion is broached {as fome cite Jt ota of Magifiri difjmicv^ Hicrom) they ef the Separation upon try all will be found «.< adoStiiva. mid the f rangefl idoll makers in the world, becatife they have ^^'f.'x^'lt* broacheu iheftrangefi noviltie that ever was maintained ^ Swy fed. i.pag. in the church. ^J'-. ., .

Such as lay downe rules (faith the author of chc ^X^S«,'; Stay) to find out the truth by, write thus •, What the a^fvifu, t-c. Vin-Fathcrs all with one confcnt have held and written, "^'^^'^l;'^^^^'^'*'' is a ncccffarie token to know the truth by. And what- ^^^^^ If^i^ Gb.lj^. foiver hath been ho'dw at all times and in allpliues by all 4j.;. 17 >..

" Chripans

f

( )

Chrij^ians,thAt have mt beenemtedfdr mvelttt , fm^u-Urttieanddtvifton y is to he received as the undoubted trii:h of GoL ijihcjc Ajjertio;}s be trney then is this con-dcmnjiforiefintcnce mofi uny-ifl and tmtrtte. For net only all old writers generally , b^t the most learned of later times •, yea and all Jeffs andjorts of people prof efsi/fg Chri-fianitie {thcmjdves e.acpted) areagainfttt.

Therefore ci^ they confider the terrour of the v^^ ''''' ^ * Lordjand that great day in which the Lord lefus {liall appeare in the briglitneffe of I ij Father, to avenge the quarrel! ot his le.ift QomvL\vc\dcr[\cT\z^and to judge the wrongs^ inyiries and reproaches , which are cafl upo/r Or g-ric to ? />« ijij church and Sa/ntSy ordinances and worjhip^they would ?4^5^/7fauh th^s not fpeake evill of what they know not, reviU his heritage, Tuquidchriifourn- dcfpfehsworjhfpyCondemntherighteous, viltfe the or-•vcrj.xluecc'tjj^cnp'.. ^.^^^^^^ of aracCyahuf^Scriptures, mifalled^e K^uthors. dMum es exam'tvc; cauje div!jions andjchilmei,in the Churches of Cod , at-qui cH-naacjiii mm- Jlra^ the mindes of [owe ^ o '^ftinate others ^ and expofe re~ ti:^^;S« Ughnitfclfetocontemp. Let mc fpcah mhmas thi fuppme, c. great eft z,eal)r in that catife at this day,[pea keth to his op-

c ANft7a^amft ^^j^^^ .^^^^^^^ oflcffeimportance. Wher>Godarifcth r"/J^!fthe crofTc up what Will they anfwet him^ what will they ^^y, part 2 c.9.fcft X. when hee jhall not ondy charge them^ that they have paTc^ifome^of Tn- ^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^^ '^^ Churchybrought an evill report upm his

fuii: rraJe Brne ana purpose : »iii aip if^ai ivuy rjauc lay^itrm jviifj rnigrjc

ftus to c«.le the andmane to draw Others tKto the fime tranfgrefsion, by

inorc hnrdiy wuh ^.^^^eswhereef his name isbUfphemcdytbcweake fcanda-

cf a fear rhey were lizcdj thegodl'i made fid^ And that when WAS halting

all of ih: lame fpi ^^;Y^ turnedafidt f

the. end procu c 'f ^^ befire, t hat a more grievous puniihment is re-

likcmifchictc.w-w. frrvcd for them that caafcothcrstooffend, than for

l>otM in Dan.c,^. ^\^^^ which doe fiich things t'lcmfclves, let theadvi-

fr iveighferioujlyj whether it doth not concerne himjelfcy

as

( ) '

is much as any other»to tremble and ft dH din am\

It is A vain^ haft , that ar this day there arc few, if C A N ftay.Epil^f any, except Formalifts and Famiiifts, and m^n of ^°hc^'„'^'^n't aiid corrupt mindes, who fuppofc that gainc is Godlincs, pra^^^cc^ oHomc that will appcarc in defence of our pariHi Churches "'^n of fpeciaii ac-Mili:(lericand Wor/liip. For the profeforj (ashers cCch of God] fleAfedto ftile them) are of the fame judgemenc y Pouching ^^"^ to this da/ thofe things that former N thes have bcene of. and fiand ^ l.'^'i^'s hnprc/ii-

J I t o ■ ^ T ■ n ^ ^ onmmc, thatlc-

t0 he the true churches of lefusChrift^ aridt/jcir tvor/Jjip f""''"^"^^ And-Ubecfhhholii«pmu0». if of Uter t,mu the-, have Stt-T^t*: beertefilent in thefe matters y it is not becaufc they are the honour of any better informed i or that they fee aiid acknowledge ^".n°"^'^r ^^^ their worfhip and Miniflcry to be fals and idolatrous: on. s. B*^X" nl' hut they rvould sot fpcnd good h cures in vaine, feeing what ^"S o^ t^e founda-foever was written in this kinde had beene Icarnedh and ''°" "^u^'.^T""^/; J7|//faf;;//jfrf;»/«>^r^<^j not With reproaches, taunts, and anRadcr. 6oaftings as tsptggefledy but with Jolidproofe out of the can Ncccf. of hokeofGod. Chiiftian Religion teacheth men to fe.^P'^*''^'^' occupicthcmfclvesothcrwife, than to mi'pend their Gaifthi'iUoMxaiA! time in anfvvering that, which in the cares of all indif ?P''^; ^^'^f^'^^-^'f* lerent men carrycth a liimcientcoiifutacion with it, or p^o-ofida. is fufficiently confuted already: Jpecially when experience had lejfoned them^ that they muft deale withfuch as will overcome by peremptory cenfiringy when weight of reafon is wanting to them»

Nevertheleffe, leaflovermuch filence [heuld be inter- Ifnot. reply if?Tic> freted covfent^c'' beget too gre^ coKJidcnce in men, of the plcafc and when goodnejje of their caufe^ and oth:rs jhouldftttmble at their '^l'^^ ^plft.^vvhm *vaunts,asif nonedurfly becaufe they dot not undertake the undertakers their a»fver,l ampurpofed by the grace of God to examine ^*'^^ fin'fl»e- thck-the grounds and arguments ^whereby they would per [wade ^.^^'^'publiflifd the Neeefsitie of Reparation from our Affembltesyandfrom bis m^ny things the wcrjhip of God performed among ft us . ^^^^^^^ «'iVl/ft

Sundry things M. C4;?w lequeftcth of him that ^^.^6,

b . . flinl

( ;

^ V^' feay. «piftic (j^rj^w undcftake fo read and an^vvci hisbookes^i That - - ---• when he fetteth hlmfcUc to read hee fliould fct hira-felFas in Gods prefence^and look on with a fingle and unpartiall eye. 2 Thatheliveby hisovvne faith,ind build not upon another mans fcincie. 3. That he dc-nic liimfdf and be contented to be guided by God a-lone. 4. Tiiat for a particular faile hee doe not con-demne the whole. 5, Th^t hee change not the fnte of che Qjefcion. 6. That he may findc pliine Wk fcft T p ^^'^^^^g' 3"'-^* ^^'^"^^^^ is brought againft hinijbe read out

Sajims scriptu/is Vtinthcr the[e conditions be obfervedhy the Author him-?:;Ji;rA'rA fdfeMs<^'nmgs,letthe,nd,fferm judge, asmmelji •vQcat. Got!, torn. 1. ivhetherpafftges of Scripture be truly alledged^ K^uthors i,-i.<~.%. omiMquad- ri'rhtl'i c.uoted. nr^timcnts pldinh propomdcd.concluftons mk-nmedeScriptH- jo'-inalj drawne, h/s adverjanenngentimijlj aealt iVithxUi rUfdHciu, Hier. in Whether in writing hefet hi*nfelfe in tht pre fence of Gody p/ai 9 8. tom.^.wi- ^^ Y mi'zh in the B a fiance of the Sdf75fuarie what he com. I'ltms inodiium'. eft mcndeth unto his Reader ? Whether he cenjure not before ilefnJe)uiuw,ETxrm. he makeprodfe by S^riptnre^ and rather infult i>ver his ad. *x:^bmimumTj- '^^^fi^^^^ ^^f^^ infolent and reproachfulltearmes^ thm con-la a fdfafidftnti' fiM their grounds with fitlfsiantiall reajons ? and whiles .am.VcT.adRom.c. ^g cOmmendethpU'nedealing, ftmpltcitie andinte^ritie, %. fed. 4. p. 51. ^^ «o^ nor play the jugl;:r, who pretends plaKincfle, & fed. i.p.4 4. that he might beguile and deceive thefooner.

For when he makes femblance ofz,ealefor the fwitie ef

toOieRode^^'^'' ^^^^g^<^^y wijljeth tendcmeffe of confcience tohis Readery

CAN Necef. of ever and anon obje^eth to Ms fpofites what abominations

r^?^"^^*"- ^P'^- and vikcorrtipt ions they labour to jrifl/fiej which formerly

* they co-idemned, beareth in hand that the Scripturesfpeak

expreflyfor him , and the learned of all forh ancient and

moderne, who would not ixpeti faire cariage and Iwnefi

Elding < whereasy let the whole frame of his ^writings

be lookt rUntOjW'th ufi;i((le heart and unp art ialt eye ^and it

will befmndvjery cwrt4^/t^ loofe, dsceitftill for the mattery

mi

( ;

gn^fiuffedrvlth fcornc^ rtproAeh.jlandtr^infolemy ,andfnl-ftfcAt'tom for the manner. Herein whether I fpede the W0rds of truth af^d lohernejfe ^ let the Reader jearchj and then give fentence.

Butfor mine orv/separt T depre to4'rifver iff the feare cf God^ and not to flrive with hi?n in the like meA(itre of 'pnuing. tA goodcatt(e needs no fich tricks f 'vit , hat dsit is of Codjfo it is able to maim.line and defend it felf^ and the more fincereiy it tsp^opoitfjded, therr/oreitwiU trevaile. In controverftes^ if men will kcepe a good con-fciiMe^ their zealc mufl be tempered with wifedome^truth^ d»d meckneffc cf fpirit , the-^ mufi fpeake as in Gods pre-fence J give the right f:i(e of Scripttirc , ai^d make ft application of it, Jccke the truth in love, and that vi6ferie a'offe tvh.ch truth will Carrie. According to the mea-fire of grace received from God, I fi)all defire to walke within thefc bounds and with this rcfolittion 1 come to compare caufe wit h catifc , and reafon with reafon, Letth^ Scriptftres be the only judge beiweene us , upon which all ^ conclufons inDivinitie^ if feund^tiregrounded^wherc- * ^j'o-.^P'!^-. 4^. b^ dldiflinci^ions^if true , are warranted, rafter the J-Ji!l''^en quidJil voiceofGodin Scripture, the cietei-minati<Dnsand pra- ckDonenus.&cEt ftkes of our Guides, who arc no ^ reeds, but men fca- 'f^g^cm^Mi^n^ ble in the truth f})dl be produced^ for they are nor light- quWe^'egede vfatm ly tobeeftcemed, thoni}) their confint cannot bee the ^^- Hieron. i>t

tutboriuuem 3 &c^ Bafil. devtiAfide, Nosomricm a.Tyominicadocb-'m lal'itnam&vocem, &femcmiamfiigi.mus. Chr. VI x cor, hom. i j. Obfcm & tro oimia vbs, tit rclhiqiutii quid buic veliUi, videalur, & dc hii/cri' piuiishxcoKftiaifiqtiiyite. Ambr. torn.i-lib. ^.c(>:(f. -^t. Call myfletiu^ deccatm Deus iffty nmhom eiiafeipfmrignoravh. Petii^i de ^liaco pr^'.c.Qzvion. T^jiU/m prmdpis edhlumj ant ecckfia dccreiumcM ]uUum^ ?ii(ifi Diuhja legi confmim. T^ovum Tcft-ivrntHvicflmaHens^qui uni-verfrsharefesmomit, estzc'M lucnva limenexbtbcmi rumrendum cfl ad Jvlas Scrip:uyasu!<C' wniiin faluiem adipifc.imur.

h Mat. 11.8. Luc. 7.14. i Reg. 14, i?, fc. cdamM arui.iincus, non aroma'ktis feufftefi' for'iHs. Can ft.iy. anfw.fcd.i . p. 47. Howfocvcr we niuft liye by our ov.nc faith, not-withflanJingj wee irc not lightly tc ft-, mcof the dctermin.ntion: and nnv'ticcsof our Guides, fpecially wbenwcknow thL/.i.cRoreedcs, busmen ft.iblc and unchangeable in the truth. C/'/^^Chnftianrubjiapait i.pag, j5i. Many Bifliops havctau^ht lyes, ii\^.

The

md udiiccJ' Prin- ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ mercie give us lo know the things whicfr cesinihe Church ccncemc our Peace ^ comfort ^idjaivdt/Ofty and make US

niticbut chcirdo-

drinc is !c that princcJ muft regard for neither prince not people ftand bound to the per-Tons of men. but unto the truth o: iod, and unto their teachers^ fo long as they fwcrrc not from the truth. Id. Abfolutc jadge of truth, neither prince nor prieft naay chaficnge to be, for God is truths and of God i truftnoman may bee judge. The fonae of God faith of himfelfc, I am truth, e;^c. Aaguft. denuptii{,acirale?Jiin. i.i.cap. ■;i. Optat.Ub.^, adpArmenian. And, page 551. Only God :s to limit and appoint by his word , what fliall ftandfor truth and what for criour Cf. And a$ Bifliops ought to difcctna which is the truth before they teach, fo muft the people difcctne who teachcth right,6cfore they believe. Idem page. 3^5. As the paftors hate authoritie from Chrift to preach the truth,and woe be to them that refift the preachers ©f truth, fo have all hearers both libertic to difcerne, and a charge to bcwars of feduccrs, given them by the feme Lord» and woe be to them chat doe it not.

Chap.

CO

Chap. T

He Qucftlon betwixt us is , ^mthr liy the

Scrlptfires, and principles 0ft he NonceftforMffij^-, « f r 1 ^t t /♦»<*'» // Theifateof

SeparattOK Jrom the Church of England Wjij^Qoff^

ion.

Kece^ary or lavfrU ? Thofe that hold it law-full to be preftnt at the preaching of the Wordjbut not to partake in the prayers of the Congregation^ nor 10 be prefcnt at the Sacraments there adminiftrcd, I leave to their owne defence: The neceflity or lawfellnefle of Separation is that whicii I deny.

Neither is it here queftioned, TVhether the principles of the ^^ ,^, y^ , „-Noncottforrmslsbe trfte andjuftipablc^vHt Vihether the necejjtty ofScpar-Ewft 9r Idivfulne^e offeparation CAntrti/y ^.Hfdjufily,^ inferred and lo the R^jtiitr concluded from them, Thiy Pofition therefore Ilaydowne, as diredly contrary to tlie other; That ieparation from the prayer: Sacraments , and preaching of the Word of God in the congregations and affcmblies of the Church of England,is unlawful by the Scriptures, & that whatfoever complaints (whether juft or unjuftj the Nonc«ntormifts, judicious, learned and holy, liavc made of tiic corruptions ri our Church government,Minifterie,Worrhip, Prayers, Admi-niftrationofthc Sacrament, and people, received, or ptrr-mitred as externall members, they doe not inferre, either in their judgements, or in truth, aiiecc01tic or lawfulneffe of Separation from our Chu: ches,as notruc Churches of Chrift-, ourMimftciicasfilfeand Amichrii^iarpurVVorl'hip as Idola*

B xx)\

try And therefore, i (hall diall ho^.t. fuch as have fcparafcd unadvifcdly , if men / tendjcr matu , .lit, will ^-cpcnt of their rafhncffe , feeing the grounds where upon they build are rotter, the building ruinous, and the pradicc di-redly tending to the Irandall of Religion, and difcon:-fort of their Youlcs. And now I proceed in the fearc oi God , by the beamcs of Truth, to try and examine what is .^ obj eded, to Hiev;. the necelTitie of Separation froiii th« Non-, conforniifts principles^

Sec. I. , . , nro Co»*mHmC(tte in a falfe Miniftrie,u certainly a breach S^latf^aV?. ^ of the Second Co7»f*}^nderHent'^ For^'hat doethey ^ hntin-'-■ ^p]g. : 6,17. deedfet Hp an Idoll.jea a. J bo\\> do^^ne unio ity vphoferve god in, 1 he Chii 1 ch ^„^ yy a devifed andufurped Mini fiery An Song ? .jyS.Thefaith-a^s ot Anti- r^ entreat Chrift to he Jhfaed \>phere he by hii C^liniftery .with tcI'^^^\To^^SfnU mrd,Sea/eSyCenfures,&c.feedeth his Flock^, that iitiou$.i</.Siay. there they miahtflace ther»felves for InjirnBion And Government, feci. ' .pag 5. <^ And not iurriafide to the fiocki'of hii comf anions^that iijihe congrC' / 4- p*'^-^'i gations of falfe ChriHs, and falfe prophets, nhich came in hii ^^^'^'(,f'^^ Namcy faying, I am Chrifi y and deceive many, tAgaine, E' ' &.14 <; -4. fhralm ts joyned to JdoUs-, What Vpere they / among others H of. 4 17. s c t they VPere Priefis which J eroboam ordained for the high Places: . ynn. on the ivhatfolloVcs ?let him alone, that ii, have no communion^'ith th- place Se« ^^-^ ^ ^«jl,<r in hu falfe MinifteryyOr other Idolatry. Often doe the ^Zl^^'f^ , ■Frofht\uC^iny and hiftApoHleSy forbid n)en to heare thofe, ^."^4 J i^ '^hieh thrufi themfelvesintominifierialloj^ces, not beingjent of Icrc. J J. 6. Gody and from the Church. To communicate in a falfe minif^e-Prov.5. {. ^i^^ if fQ g^og a vaine ^orftjip ; and therefore unacceptable altogC" M.w. 7.15 .loh 1^^ ^^^^ ^^^ Lord. In this men doe abet the party in his liny and JO 4,5 Phjl.3 , .... , . . J J.I rt -

z.'^ccStay 3. fomakett their cwne by tmputatton , andmwrap themfelves tn

cai;i!l,^C(fr.ii. the fame gullt^ith the offend-r. Cjod hath promifed no blefpng / ,;v, 116,1 r 7. to his Word, but in his d^n Ordinance , though I confejfe he may, 5 8,1 J 9. & y yga,and doth grant oft times that, through his infinite CjodneQe, \\'' -f''^ ^ Vchichf^oman can challenge by an ordinary promi/e. Todoeother^ Rom. 12". 1' 1. ^if'i ^ to-rebellgrievofrfly againB the Lord, and to uphold, •vt>hat NaiT.b. 16. tn w Ijeth y that "^hich the Lord will confume : thereforeyO* no rfal.^o. iS. oDodSubjeEipjculd affifi or communicate ivith any perfon in thf J Tim. ^.z2, *^ -

5/^7 r.g.iinit Stray./f^ ^-piig- ^y.^^. 9ii.fdt.Ji.f^.g.i^.'^\x\.]h.x^,i^yX0. Luk.io. x6. a Ihiil". i.aj3,4.ReYclj.i4 5) li. ^ iS.-j.

AdminijtrAthn yfciviUjHfttyC to the Kings SuhjeEis ( :io at thoHgh ,> AcibftimLer the fame never fo tegailyjjufilyy imparttaUy) except the fame perfon had a commijfion from the Kingfo to doe: ft neither ought the SabjeHs of Chrifls Kini^tiowe y to partake Adumb Mir.'i-ttvVA any perfon^hatfoever in thedisfenfat'iohofanySpirftua/l^^^'^ '"'Rg mSn^nce (thou;^hmitfelfe never (o holj ) Without fufilcient Tu^^'^'^K^''^ warrant ana commijjion from the m(^ abjolutt and ooveratgne ((.p^f^^^^ King of his Church , Chrifi fefus. Such ^> have IfirituaU from, their Comrwtnion inafalfe Mtnifiery Jae embrace th bofome of a flran- Mmittcrs for ger^andfocommit Ipirituall'^horedomeagainH the Lord. Chrifi ^^'^ greaccit {etteth itdowfteas apropertie of his /beep to be obferved, that they \i,',^*fter ^c'^h follow not ftrangersfsHt flie from them for ;hat they know not their "Tv^ceU'.ef'Sr.ii". voice. ' /'•^S-4--

Answer.

'T'His Rcafon is grounded upon the complaint which "Non-conformifts make of fomc great abufes in the Miniftcry : but in them it is not to be undcftood of all Minifters, nor to where arc t'lc infcrre a nullitie of the Miniftcry It is nor to be underftco J of words, or all Minifters, for amongft them there be many learned, wife, what be thf y, godly and painfull, as the truth is, and they acknowledge, du- '^^' cond-. mnc ly called and appro -ed, whofe Minifterie God bath fcaled, and « ^ /^. ^*^J^, blclTed. It doth not infcrre, a nullitie of the Miniftcrie of b- ^\^^^ fjy ^\\ thers: for even the idle, unlearned, fcandalous, being in the Minifters are s-oome of Minifters,are Minifters to otherSjthough not to them- unlawfully ad-, icHes, and their Miniftery, fo long as they Minifter the things J"'"'^ ^°^ of God, is eft'^(5tuall to the people of God. If then your mtan- ^^^^ i,^or.c ing be- that the whole Miniftcry of the Church of Eng-good, bccaufe land i: iaiij, impure,unUwfull, according to the principles, and (otic are bad ? complaints of the Nonconformifts, it is notorious; If that the if thi-rc be no Minifter il of the Church of England in gcnerallis a nullitie, ^^''^^',jj^'"^ by rcaibn of fome maims and dtfeds tound therein,which they them any luch defire might be redrcCd, in that alfo you doe them apparant Anfc y che/>

wrong. yo" tin wrong •:

InthePropo{it;cn^as it is fctdown, that we may under-'^ yourbrcr ^•wA the fcnfe tnereof, two things are to be confidered. t o"j' {,ie{]c

and encicafe an hundicd fold the god'y , wife, learned, grave MiniOcrs of this Church. -T.C-xepL i.pag.x^.And fo otUettimhtir complaints,aic lo be undciftood. hiob oHletn Ht ■ quis cxiflimct per aa, quae ecc/ifi,ijU:oi%m maiiffafunt^mi omnei^rmfm ecckfiafUcOii vitliOjexce^" to, co?/}t>;ch'.nde t veUc Nic. Clem; SVccul. Ecckf.

A 2 I \yhat

(O

i. What is meant by a falfcMin'ftcric 2. What it is to com-jnimicate in a falte Minifteric.

In plainc and diftind dealing, a falfc Miniftery is not to be confounded with a maymcd, defcdive, or impure Miniftery, for as the Gofpd may be preached truly when it is taught impurely, fo may the Miniftery be true for fubftance, when xt is impure in fomc refpeds. But feeing in your language, every unlearned/cundalous, negligent Minifter, is a falfc Minifter, andthcMinifterie which he exccutcth, is a falic Miniltery; therefore to omit further conteftation about the word, It muft be noted, That a falfe Minifter\' is twofold, i. Abfo-lutc, vi^- fuch as is no way cs appointed ot ''S od, in rcfped of the fubftance of the office, whereunto he is fct apart, as if a Minifter be called to preach pernicious and damnable do(ftrine, or to offer Sacrifice propitiatory for quick and dead, and this -■Minifter)' isa meere nulJitie. 2 Comparative , or in fomc re-Ipefl, as that which is maymed in the qualities, or care of the party cholen; or defigne'd, as if a man unlearned , fcandalous, idle'be cholcn; if he feed not the flock, or teach without power and authoritie. And this Miniftery is defedive,but of force and efficacy to the people of God : for fubftance, it is of God, fior the good of hisriock, and what is done in the adminiftrati-on is done by the authoritie of God, but the perfonsthcm-ftrlves,ifin no mcafure qualified, are not allowed and approved of God.

The lecond phrafc , To communicate in the falfc Miniftery, may import two things. Firft, to communicate in tne r ' k ifi fi'"»"es of the Miniftery, and this is altogether unlawfiiU. For-^uaftcx.-i>rn:a- GoJs people, when ^e matter commeth to their pradiccj ri vif'ip.itiiur. muft liave the judgement of difcretion ( and flirther they crave 'Yi.n.:7i.4yoi. not ) the judgement, I fay, of difcretion to try the Spirits,

Nmumiico- whether th:!y DC of God or not. Andin cafe the Church,"^'Ix-errp ruran.ei ad i ,. •' . t r t i

iibUnu'Mfn aikim '"' v ig^'^'^^^'^^ or contention , or a man-fUajing humonr , deter ^ ra-hm perpia- rn*nein doUrlnt againfithe fVord^ or in ceremonie agairtj} the dere dihe/it (te

it^s^qitx fcnbunitfi' upio /wmtbela. Djinpolit. Chrift. lib.^^ cap. 5. Courfc cf confer, p3g.i49.Gratii'>-t^s^cr. j.difl. ii.cip.:. Billon Chrift.Subjc&.par.i.p.j^ j.? 54.J^A«3-«w io verii dIcidir/ut'' uh :/Hpi: v hgin'fiiibus ? Mamm diffiml lud.nc. Si ab ipf • mpore d:vdli p f-(umHSi &n*iad nxl-ovts unfem^onmm d';(/e//.iis :/ed fapi fii , ui vJis noln ,' in medio imp »~ rnrn4t vejiiri cpoHCit: caztas igi.ur ab amai iiud.ii & operihas^ HtUtmU'cw/i ioqiiHur. Lavat. Jijl2jck.c3p.i-Worn. I J.

CO

gtnerail B. nleSy tMr ebttj^ i»to •kty God , rather than nutn. Buf

the fmncsoFtheMiniftcr, oi otHcrpart of the Congregation, ihalluot be imputed to him, who doth only communicate m tiie ordiiwnccs of vvorlliip. 2 To communicate in a falfe Mini-Htcricuiay import, to communicate in the ordinances ofwor-'hip with them, whofe calling is not in every refpert approved of God rand this is lawful!.

If then the Icnle of this reafon be,That ow Miniilerie is abfo-lutcly falfe,ora meerc niillitie, it caniKDt be made good by Scripture grounds, or Non-co.iformirts principles, but the contrary is mofl. c\ ident. And he that IliaJl undertake to prove fuch a delperate Propolition.muft grant that there was neither Church or Sacrament, nor Miniflcvie in the world for many hundred ycers paft, it he finde notji^lt caule to queftion his ownc Chrilkndomc, But if the meaning bc,that it is not lawful! to communicate in the worlhip of God, with Minifters not fitly qualihcd, dilordci iy callcd,or careldly executing their orticc and fundion,then it is diredly crofle to the. Word of truth, found reaf«n,ap.d confent of ail the learned.

If youd(!mand,asyou^^v of y nr Pijlolcr, vphereweerc.idin^^,, , Scripture of thefc t^o kirtds of falfe CMimjlerSy and commnnicA- ^^^ j^p yj^ tingwithetther ifj the ordinances of wor/hip g VPemi/Jhe^'jou tfx rc2d m ih.-piacej tke chapter andthe "jerfe, Scnptures of

When the Prictfs were ^w^ ^o^j, rW cqhU not bark^, '^^'^''^.^^d^nl\^ greedy dogs^ that could never have enough^ was their Minillerie churchc" '* true or falie, were they qualified > as becomes the Minilteis p:ak outmm.-ofthe Lord of hoafts or nof The fir angers and uncircumci-ih^wus tiic fed^whichrv refet to take ilx charge of the Lords Sanfiuarj; plice,thefhip. wae they true MiniilcrSj orfalle ? When the 7*riefis ^^**£^^ ^^cvi^^ir^nu-for^hirey andthe Prop'ets prop'oefed for mowjr-^ when the i '''^ ous dcaluio rc-phets- prophefed lies y andti.e Priefis hare rule hy their meAnS'^i^\\xc%\t.Stayt Was their Miniilery true or fali'e / Were the Sonnes q{ Blil'^^i- j./>.7g jo. true or falfe Miniiters f qualilyed as becommeth the I'crvants ^^'- ^-^.' ? ^'" of God, they were nor, but the funftion which they executed, J ^" {^{'j.^;.^ '?* was of Go J. When the Prieils bought and iold D^vesinthe ii.Mtl.^.i. Temple,or took upon them to provide Doves, or fuch like £^f(* 44 7,^» things for them that were to ofier, was their Miniftcric, true 9- 'O- i>ee /««. orf&.^ Did they that whcreunto they were appointed o^'Lwaccr?6rf^

4f.<. J.11. Jcrtm.'i-li. I Sam. z. Ill U'^i^l' ^S"- » 5"jw. i. i,*,? /'fe. ai^; Stec Cunfi^ot. £inKio>: Com.in iMilh.

God ornoe"? WhcA the Scribes aixi Pharifces ct>mi|>ted the f/^^J]^5^;^'Lawbyfalicgloflcs, tAHghtforJoBrines me»s precepts, made I «• ?, 4 J S • ^^* Ccrmnandtntent of God of none efeSl bj their tradiiioMS, JhHtr Mjt /* 13. t J. ufthe Kingdome of heaven before men , neither going in thertf ^y [elves^mrfoffering them that -wonld , making thole ot their pro-

feffiontxoofold more the children of hell than themfelves : When they tnught Juftiiication by works, and pcrfcft obedience to the whole law, and denied in Chrift, both the Perfon and office of the Mediah, blafpheming himia his doflrine, as a deceiver of the people; in his life, as a glutton and wine-drinker, in his glorious miracles, as one that wrought chem Mitthw i.>^. by the DeviU; and when they hated to be reformed, was their Lull 7- ? o. Minifterie true or fallc ? Were they called of God, or did they >/7;7. g 1. ^^^^ jn thsmfelves before they were fent f If their Miniftc-MMh. 2.1.4 f J rie was true, then an ignorant, idoU, profane, idle Minifterie, * * which defpifeth knowledge, opporethGodlinc(re,prophaneth

the holy things of God, corruptcth the Law, polluteth the worrtiip, ftrengtheneth the hands of the wicked", and lead-cth the blinde out of the way, may be a true and lawfull Minifterie of Godv . ■<

It is befidesthemarkc here to anrwer,that the Scribes and Pha-rifees did neither miniSier to any bnt the Lords people,norin an unlawful place,nor by an unlawful entrance :Yot the Qucftion now is of their Minifterie,& the quslificationof their perf^^ns to the officcjwhich they took upon them, Whether fiich a Minifterie as theirs was to be approved of God, and iiich Perfons to be choien, or continued in their ftanding. For be their outward calling what it wil!,and the people to whom they admi-• nifter, as. they may; if the Minifterie be not of God; if the perfons be not qualihed as God requireth, if they execute not ■ tiicir office for God, according to his will rev'eabd, and the good ofhis people, but againft God; according to their ovvnc . corrupt immaginations, and to the griefe of the godly, their Itanding in tliat place and rooms, without qucftion^ is not of . Gods approbation ,* nor tlieir-Ceiling lawfull. Itmi^ht .bead-. !^/^;«^'; 9>^^ ^g^^ tt^g^ though tb^ tribe q^ Levi onely wasulcdtotheMini-ft :rie, yet ail that tribe was not-^pplyed. that wayes, nor thole at all adventure, but by choice, according to their abilities.* . .And therefore, iftlie Pharisees were not fitted in fome mea-fure for their office, the choice w«sn6t by ufprobatioh from God,nor their entrance lawfuii. If

C7)

If then their Miniftcric was falfc, cither it was unlawful to communicate vvith them in thsordinanc^-S of worihip, which ''^'''^"- ^' ^* is direflly croffe to Scripture, the examples of the Prophets, ^g j2^^1\^l our Saviour, his Apoftks, and all the faithful!; or to com- li.y,'. municate with,.or in a falie Miiiiftcrie, is not a breach of the fecond Commandcmcnt.

They thatfreacLed ChrifiofenvU, to adde affiiElion to Funis Tlni, i.i j. b/indsj were they true Minillers or falfc ? W^hat focvcr you will ,lay^ to heafe them preagh Chrift, was no breach of the fe-cond Commandcment. Jf in fome refpeils they were true j;^ ^.^^ ^^^^^ and fulfe botli, then the Miniftcric \s not abiokitely falfe,which p,v///,'.' jj ohd jnfome con(iderationsisnotpurc,as it ought, and is to bed e- ihuthr Go-fircd; then the miniftcric may be true in one refpe<5V, and falfe 'pel is preach-in another; then alfo it is no (innc to communicate with, or ^,*^ although it in a falfe Miniftcrie, fo far, to wit, as it hah truth j and ^oth bu "he woaia carry the ftampc of God, ibfarre as thcfuthfyU arc allowed ncrcr h'.vc to dcfuc, and they have authoritie (though not approbation) been gl.id, if »> from God, to difpcnce his ordinances. ihould hive

An ignorant ^^nifter is an Idoll, having eyes when he ^ceth^"^^.^^^^^^^"'^ not, and lo is a Icandalous idle Miniftcr, yea an Hypocrite, and tm! v '&c ih; hollow-hearted Minifter, having only the outfiic of a Mini/lcr, w int of a but wanting the life and loule, the approbation and allowance ooo-^ "Hing^ of God. Butthcfaithfu/ldoe neither lfffw4ow?te unto an J?^/,//^'"^yg've occi^^ ^orfet up an Idoll to themfelvtSy who fee Ue and defirc the ordi- 'Ju?u^„ "J' V"'

/ L 1-11 1 /-> I • 1 • x> tiieWoidot

nances or grace rrom their hands, unto whom (jod m his Pro- Goii is not fm-vidcnce hath committed the difpenfation of holy things, for arcly taugh:, the good of his pcople,though not for the prortt of themielves. ^^^-^uff there is Who U blinie, but my[ervant i* to witj^/r^/jwhich iTiould ha\c '& o?ti'^^^'''^^• moft light, becaufe of my law : or dcafeas my Mejfengcr that I liaJy/xl-'plS fent ? The Priefts and Levitcs whom 1 lent to te.ich the peo- i pltg. i8. pic. The Idojl Sheephcard,the Lord c^llsth his Sbepheard, not'/« 4'-' 9.'^'^; bccaulc he doth the will of the Lord , but he is ferit of- God io ^^^^'' ^'^i ^'^.' the people, who by juft means doth revenge the impictie ^^ oYoiK^nt'ov-niQa. He entereth linfully, that is never lo well able to teach, if 7^^. '^ ' ° ^ cither he Hvc profanelyjOr teach corruptly, or be altogeflier re- Sec /.».- an-mifle in his office; when yet to hearc him once being in of-"^^- '•■»'oc" fice, and well gifted, was never deemed an humane invei> k 5" z "h tion. Somtimcs it doth lo fall out, that to avoide fome great , 7.' Tarnov.-*

ill loc. Rjilge/p' hiTii:: Mctapb, ca.; dc iJm: p-ig • 17 f •

>Airl>. :

(8)

hurt or danger ,or for iome other end, ^Tome things may lavv-fiilly and ordinarily be intended, which without fuch peculiar circumftances, whereby evill is fcparated from them, would be unlawfoli. And though it be unlawfuV to choofcluch a Mini-fter, or to have private familiar focietic with luch a fcandalc^is peribn, yet it is lawhUl tujoyne in the ordinances of grace, bccaufc God hath called us thereunto, and (o ordained. So Ty lints -^^ ignorant or Icandalous Minifter is given in judgement,

reiouc by Gods but fo, as God rcmcmbrcth mercy for his, which he will reach Pioviicncc, forth by them. IfGodfet Tyrants over a people in wrath,may but not by his j^qj. ^j^g Righteousfcek proteAion under them,or receive right ^Hols'^^Tert by their government God takes no pleafure in an ungodly apo'l cap. in/& Minifter, but he is pl^fed t\j place them here and there, tHat the adscapul/ap.-'i. children of bleflfing might receive by their Minifterie, what orig.mlib.iul. the Lord hath promifcd, and knowcth to be expedient for f>of^'i/^y?-'^P'ft them. The Church-ads of ungodly Minifters, are to them-hIaT II. See feIvesunprofitable,andin.themfinfijll,abominable,but to the Deodui. amct. ^ ongregation, they may be profitable, cftefluall, acceptable, jtai: in loc. as they are done for them, not without fome calling, by Pro\ i-Or'igenHoma,, dcnceot God, and authoritie from God. . "--^

m lui. ^ug. tj-y q)^j^^y.j ^cording to Cjods o^»€ heayt,vjhom he gives, of Tam.hh.x.cap. Wsmatrimonialllove,andIpeciall favour, are fumilhed widi ^.uln-yjoji.Hom. the gifts of knowledge and holineflc : but others are called of poji. m Hclir. God, not without his over-ruling ftroke m that which is done SicHierioolm bymep. fii^ Lord threatens to rejev5l them, ytho delfife ^ct(ccmd kie^ h?°^^^^S>^i '^•'^^ thej Jhdllhe no Priejis unto htm : But rhisthreat-i uirtrj'is ah im- niug IS not a prefent degradation, or turning them out of of-pn JmyAo.Vjm fice,difinabling them in that they could doe, and making all cdib a a. hr. J - their acls void, hut a menace of future evill in Gods time, for r • r-scd that they ought to have done, but did not. And even from this tfnH-numy q vw- comination ir will foliow,That if y iniiters who dt Ipife kno^v-zis d) i/r>piu tc- ledge and underftanding, be permittcd,by fuch f s have power 7iu'ur. Gm.ck to caft themout, lut doe not; they rctaine their power and '^H.ebt[li&pci. authpj.i„e i^jn , for th- good of the faithfull, untill God be plea-Gra'taci-rnf. ^^^ ^^ "^*^ ^^^'"*^^j^'^'•^ tumc them out of orficc, though their par. ? d'^Ltiufcc. fundion be not pleafing unto (jod. dfl.^ cap. i«. ^ . ...

i5, ?.7 i^. Hof, 4. k6 T. CiCpi. i.p.i'^. • >' - ^-id.^.oi.it. i.0g 47- C A iJ. le t-jjii. of Se-pa a'.p-rg 4V • 7. .ffC'i ui h'f 4- ^. Ki'jii. i.-i Hf.^/>. £i(i cb himinib.ts n^a nptlLnmy^ nt jaur-tl» <; exit:nfc, Ui in £a ejrafuni^m ur.

Efhmm ( faith the Prophet) isjcynedtojdols; that is, hath ^of.^n. Sept. left the true God, and folIowcthfaWe Gods, or Idols j he ij-:^*K>:*«'^«*' glue(!!, and ftickethfaft unto them, that he will not be pulled 'cLVnauiT' away; Let him aloMy that is. Have no fellowlhip or commu- id In, tran^fugu o'on with him in his Idolatrie. But that which is truly alledg- a Deo vcro ad cd againft communion with Idolaias in their Idolatry,or faUc '^^/^^ • ^^''«'-worT>>ip, is unjuftly wrefted againft communion with a true '^'^'^^'^^'''\ Chriftian Church.in the holy things of God.The faithfiiU muft TJl/)',c^o7j!l not enter into^'^^^^jnor goe up tOi5(r/W<r»,though thePriefts clui au: al/iga-' that there facrificed, were of the Tribe oi'Levij becaufe Ido- /«* ii._ latry was there committed, the Office or Ser\ ice there pcrfor- •^f'J«5"«>' mcd was dire(5lly contrary to Gods Commandcment. But JJ^^uT*/?^^** they were bound to goe up to lerufaUm , though the Priefts iUnm, /. c. tm there Miniftering had cntrcd unlawfully , and executed their oUhxii^ndni Offices corruptly : becaufe God had appoin^.^M they (hould ap- ^*'« '^^ corfrnin-peare before him in that place, and the Service there tendrcd ^".^J^"'.?^''^^-was of the Lord, and by his appointment, though the '^,^ iL'com,»u^ Priefts were ignorant, proud, profane, covetous, or tht rceffo.r^xnuy.

like* ^il"'- ijukquam

The Faithfullentreate Chrlft, Tojhe"^ them^here hefeedeth ''^'^"'""'''^("^ hUflocki that they mi2ht««f«yw4/r^ ( if the words wiUlT'^'''^-'^^'•''

,-','. ■ \ I n 1 ri ■ • 1 • ne arpiiito cum

bcare that interpretation J tothefiocki ofhtacompantofts^tmt is, „tii(btim. the Congregations of talle Chrifts, and hlfe Prophets. That /a/. 4. i\. which you adde, hy his Aiiniflerie with hU Sfirit,WordySealeSy Sep. oiwv av, andC^nfmes: ^nd that there they might place them/elves for Aj.c/x.o;' «//-in^ruBion and government y\% not found in the Text, and may ^^j.;,;j'sym be received or refui'ed, as it is undcrftood. It your meaning be, d^ioi Hoca. that Chrift by thefc means doth io.^^ or rule his Flock, it will Aq. &• Sym. eafily be granted. It it be this, That no Chriftian may lawful- 'f-cprratijuat ly lit downe in any conercsation, where any one ot thefe is '"''^ ^'^a^^^'-. wanting,ornot executed in aiJ points as it ought; you fpeak,«//f;;^,/^^ Hicr. ofyourfelfCjaninotby the warrant of Gods Word. Yov nbfeia'.Coml where Chrift doth feed his flock, there may the Saints of God w Hof ca.yac communicate, in the ordinances of Grace and Religion, "^''"Z?^^^^^" though fome be wanting, or not fo purely performed in all B^thd*"^//'^-

Lim ijfc Bet haven, 't.e.d»uumin!iti'tm, nt q:u mh.lfrnfi ,jh/e dortiona fdtl , <>b viiu'osinea poJitoi.Rai^

no\:\.de Idokl'.ljb.Z.'-J.^.^, r]rT.l^,i 1. • .

Song, 1,7.8. 1 he word may be read, as one. th.ii Covcreth her ftlf ,is .in harlot, G'». 58.14,1 ?. Miixey. orm CaTt'. .7. Or is one thai covcreih her fclf in moHrnin2.I.ef,ij» 4,;. Mic.^ j.Bnihi.M ioc. Stp-. <t^'i'tnouSpif Sym. pi^'n.

B points

C'O

points as they ought; though the Miniftcr in feme particular cnternotashcought,orbenot qualified as tne Word roqui-r reth. Dcut. 115. It is one thing to facriHce at Bethel, which God hath ftrait-* //O.4.1 <;. Ams ly forbidden, where is neither God, Triefl nor Lxvo ; anotlier ^ '^'c^ ^* to worlhip God according to his owne appointmait, though d^^i/r? 14, the Miniftct be not Inch as lie ought. I wonder, if men doe I5,t<.d^I^ not tremble thus to abufe and mifallcdgc the holy Scri*-5,10.11,1 i. pturc. —:y.'iv.

3.^ .^ ^ Often doe the ?r<r^hetSyChnf^^^ndhu AfoTlles (^youfay ^for-

Maltb 7 15. b'ldmento hetare thofe ^hich thrtiji themfelves into ,nimfieritt& ojfices,n(^ being fent of^od f and from the (^hurch. This laft c^mie, And from the C 'rf^,'isyourglofle, but not found jn the Texts of'cripture, quoted by you. Perhaps you would cunningly uifinuate. That all Minifters not called by the Church or particularGongrcgation,where they arc to admini-fter,befalfe Prophets. But this is to begge what you fhall never be able to prove, not to make proofe of that which is quc-Bllfon. ckiH. ftioned. Moft certaine it is, the Prophets, Chrift and his Apo-sub]t£l.\^o.a 1 ftlesdoeallwarneustobcwareof felle Prophets? But who P-^^7- The are falfe Prophets r They who are not chofen, called and or-kfh Beware *^^^"^^ ^7 ^^ communitie of the faithful!, where, they arc to of falfe J^ro- Adminifter i" No ; or they whofe outward calling in the phcts, notcth Church, is fomewhat defective and difordered, nay corrupt thcrf ilnll be andfirthill.'' Not fo neither. But they are falfe Prophets, liho 'P^o^'^yhy ^-Mke withfaljhoody andjirengthen the hands of the kicked ^ that which th.'u1)c ^^^y ^'^£^^ ^°^ returnefromtheir Wickedne^e^ rohojpeakjhei/iji-found falfe by ^ of their ovfne hearts^ not from the mottth of the Lard, Whof^y their teachme, to themthat deffife the Lord,yee Jhall have peace, who run vehert 3s S Petit zMo they were notJent, andfrophefedwhen Godjpake not unto them. wuncfleih.7'c7. ^y prophefie''falfe things in the Name of the Lord, the guiflitdfiom deceit oj thetr hearty ^and thinke to make th» people forget Godly Tea:h" the Name of the Lord, and fednee the people with their fis,notbyot lies : fVho prophefie om of their owne hearts, and follow fee, but by do- ^jj^i^ ^nelpirit. The Apoftle dtfcribes them to be ftlle i^yV. i4.i»i^ Prophets, w^*? bring in damnable do Brines, contrary to the lere.n 1 4,1 ^ doiflrine of lalvation, which we have received, arddenying the V. z 1. Lord that boftght them. But this cannot be applied to them,

lere 6. 14^ 8.

who

who preach the Truth of the Gofpel intircly, difpencc the holy things of God, according as they have received authoritie OF falfc Bre-nrom God, and labour to winne men from finne unto God, *'"^"» ^"^^ ^'''• though in the entrance into their office, or in the execution **J^ j^ ^g thereof, there be fomewhat erroneous,faulty and of men. Con- ^,th Here-(ider then how loolely the Premifesofthc Scripture, and your ticks and Apo-conclufion hang together: Wee muft not joyne our feives to ft.«acs,be they Congregations or Aflemblies that are without Chrift.. fo the P""*^" °f P"-Scripture: We muft forfakc Churches, and Congregations ot q^ iftun pa-Chrift; this is your conclufion. They muft be for^en that ftor or people rcfuG the Covenant , and worfhip ftrange Gods, fo the may Commu-Scripturcs : Wee miil forfake them who have received "';*u'^*' .^ the Covenant, and worlhip the true T ^d in the mediation suHpitt'fp of Jefus Chnft , becaufe they obfe.'c it imperfedly, 78; ' thus you muft conclude, or you fay nothing to the pur- Inficielh be

pofc. without the

If Prophets in the Old Teftament had an ordinary outward ^^^"•"'^^^ ©^ calling, the falle Prophets might have a lawfull externall cal- cord/and ^He-ling, as well as the true,and then God faith,He fent them not, rcticks be put becaufe they preached the vifioii of their own heari',lying and out. idem. 79-deceitfuU words, to ftrengthcn the hands of the wicked, and ^'^"'^ ^'r/ir not the words of Tnith^to tunie men from finne. They were Pr^h^j, not called ofG*d, becaufe the work they went about, was not Apent'tfrChry^ the Lords, but their owne. But this reacheth not to godly Mi- foftomo qui nifters, who preach the Faith of Chrift intircly, and labour to posirtmm vo^ draw men unto God; nor yet unto them, who in fome fort arc [^^^. J/^5^j'*" called ofGod, according to bis Will ( but not in favour, ^ Zapltquivubi^ becaufe he is i leafed with their Adminiftration ) to doc hisi^3j7^~^„(,;^,. u'orke.thougn they be neither qualified as hee requ-res, nor mdi^tbanm. difpence the holy things of God fincerely and purely as they '^akiammi^e

ought. When you teU us we muft beware of felfe Prophets, f-''5^^^?';:

^ r \ t ^ t n^ • • • 1- ^* r lam L nam Spec n

you IpeiiKc tr.c words or Scripture: but m your application ot, ;,,/,;^j ^ ^^^^

it to the Miniftersof the Gofpel, and Congregations in Eng- teg.m'. Lucas

land, you robbe and fpoile the fenfe of Scripture, which is not nifai'or cnfdem the leaft degree of theft. f^""''"' ^d

The Pricfts many times, were no better than the falfe Pro- '''^,(r^o.xo^ ' phets:but the people is never forbidden to communicate with li^f^.^erc/aa. them in the ordinances of prefer ibed Worfhip, though they u Matth.

dt fiLo. Lucram dqrx'Liha^im- illi,fmftm aKUmfuffn.fJjrniui-

C 2 muft

C"0

imift take heed to tlicirfoulcs, that they be not deceived by i>iM. 15•' <5. .^h^n-i, The Scribes and Pharilet s were blinde guides, vi'ho did H'M. ■^,1 . neither teach the way of life, nor walke therein, and yet our Saviour forbad not the taithfoU to hcarc or corrmunicate^ with them'.n the WorlliipoFGod, He charged his.Difciples* ?t?/'fw<?>-i?fl/"f/)f;>/(f/ii/tf», andktthcmdone,becaufe thfj ttVrr '& li 16 ^ hllnde leaders of the blinde '.{.xxt {o long as they preached the Li'k.. 11.f. truth, and wolliippcd (^ odaright, believer prohibited then^ AinfvT in Song, to heare and communicate in the ordinances. .'. , ' ,' v

c.ip. I. V.6. Jq beware of falfe Prophets t'xn, i^ no: evermore in'Body A T)co vocxtl to feparate from them, but not to receive their do(^inc, or atquc conp.iiiii heai" ken to the devifes of their cwnc hearts, Vor of falle pro-/««.', uijtgc-n phets that teach corrupt things, and.mangle the Word of life, ^^h^o'floT* ibme have (landing ift the houfe of God, and doe performe the %ti-ni H!"*' office of teachers, and difpencers of holy myfterics, whole de-^nitfLunn'.te viles we muft forejcf^, as t4iat we depart not trom the ordi-rr.oci fua:, naoces, nor calt oft'that which is of God. Others fet up a dtannxejl rca- {Grange WQrlliip, which is not of God , teach their owne ^7i(itc^fb^a- dreamc5,and not the Truth of God, be fet apart for rcall idola-?A-i, rei ciexdj try, or have no ftanding at all in the Church of God, and with '^erafi £jje»e.i- thefe, wc are not to communicate,becaufe thefe things are not nca. fiCcit. in of Go J, nor to be performed by any calling or authoritie from Au"''i^'i *h^ ^^*^ whatfoevcr. But whiles you fpeakeof faHe Prophets tiaci.A6. ° without any diftindion, you faine a new forme of fpcech, and s,u vmjive'ia. bring in a new dodrinc.

dicere wUte an- Solomon cxhorteth to attend unto ypifedome , and ks^p under-

direyoiitefice- jianding, becaufc otherwife, he may be deceived by the lips of

s' c autem fit erui ^^ ^-^t^iterous womany ^hich drop as the honj combe. But with

'mviim'fi:Yn^- whatface or confcience can this he applyed to them who

■nemjin^.mt, ni- pieach the faith of Chrift intircly, and adminiftcr the feale of

varnd.,Cimam the Covenant for fublbnce according to the plcafure of the

^dfu'^BaT I"ftit"^or?Or to them that be not rightly qualified,who yet arc

<4 J/c»!pa<». ^^^ 2?^"^^ to teach the truth, read the Scriptures,& difpencc the

J *91. ** Sacraments in focieties, profeifing the true faith, and dodrinc

P/«/. 5. ? .7. oi: lalvation-''It will be faid, Falfe teachers are ^dulterejfes. In

Aug. ep. 100. fomercfemblanceandfinuiitudc they may be fo called, but

^kmtalem v$^ Metaphoricall fpeechcs muft not be over-retched. And who

c^uli , quavt 7Dndif.erntt quotidlam, illudprofmividtcaur^ qmdeft in'it/ucumnorh.vi Chrifli-

ano : ?^u» debcmuscoufitcthdmcfn ftrmonk humam mepta (cq^acitate lanfundeit. Lyra cx-

poundi this place of the falle Chiirch. Tern, ».p,5 14. Can Stajf, §. 4.f .^1.

ara

are tliofe falfe Teachers f Not every man who is not rightly qualified FortheMiniftery, enters dirorderly, exeaiteth his fi\r,\\w.mSojig, ot-Hcc remilTcly: nor every one that now and then mingles his "^ ^- * ^• ownc deviles with the Triuh ofGod. Per any one,or all thcfc J^-^ ^'^^^^ ^^ may be founi \\\ hiui, who liipplieth the place, andllandeth in \\^^ diiwV.n^ the iGc^me ofa true Teacher, with whoii] the ix;ople oF God and refuting ©f may and oughi: to coxiimunicite, net in his fin, but in the true '^^'^ crrou.s, -WorlliipofVjod.Sufficient hath been faid ot this matrcr be- '^-j'-^^g'^g. fore. From tlK example of the Pfierts, Scribes and. Plitrifees; cSlno'tlcin .To which this oucthin^ may be added. That ifall muftgoeoiu ouhc for FuchtJlleProphetc),tad/ili.Uterefles,with whom it is not Church,* r^w, la wFuU to communicate, againft whom any exception may be »•?•'*> '9>»o. taken, in reipeJt oFentrance, execution, doctrine and admini- V ^^°."^'"S Oration, I Fe.ue diere wfU Fcarce be,foiind a Church or Mini-t,c^,^ue onhc fteric lince the' Apoliles times, \vber^,vYitJii the FaithFuU might Church.i uh, lavvFuUy holdCoihiiKU'iio.i. .• ^ ,,;.-. - i;>.

It is well knowne, many erromsand fuperftitions crept in- °^'" »ieen"ir to the Church,im.nvdiately after the Apo^les death, and the ^^^.^S^J,? Paftors had their hands deep in the maintenance of theiii. '^pbrlui^dcni what on€faith okChryfofidme ( as yoUcite him ) ix\vj be Faid c^ue improboLt ofothers beForeand aFtev him. He xifAs not withoHthis fau/ts, '^Q'^ dmnati^ His golden mouthy w'.ereinhefApdothersJornetimehMi ieaden '^»-7"'^'''/"'A'-■xrords^ which) eelied to tl.eerrom Aidabtife ofothers. lam not [Tlit!ki^mncft ignorantt that in his dales mAny evtllcufiomes wen crept into the Kolloc. in Chmchy^hichinhs vrorl^es he reproveth mt. And Fo much ' Thefi.^.ii. the aForcfaid Author had cxprelTc^d a little beFore ; There is not C^'fehiW trut, ■ Any of them {f^ith hsc ) that the \Wrlddoth mofl Wo der at.hm ''^'^ ^^"^'^' have ha I their affe^iona^ nor I thi>ike^ that yon ( aiv^rfaries to s:Ty. s^' linft. HS and to the Trnth ) -nHll in every rejpeB admits all that any one S .• ct.-1° p. x. ofthe Fathers wrote. My felfe were able fr^m the very firjiafer '<:•''• P^g.^i-the t^po files timely to run them over Ml^ and fir ait ly examining ^'\ ''^"f^'^. their words and ajfertions finde iraperfe^ions in au : and thus nig nI^ .^ farre the Authour. 'ccan^ fuch

What then, muft the Fai.hfull difclaimc them all as FalFcw^e'is flouri-Prophets, and AdiilterefTes, and ("hun all Communion n jd fel- '^^'^ ^^"'x ^^' lowQiip with them in the worlhip oFGod^/* iFboyfterous zeal d"n"on§e'^" did net blinde mens eyes, I ihould wonder, iFyou be not afto- lo" d! is u noc

>Tiorc f^fcfor us ^ihinkc youj to keep th u toundation of ihc Apofiles anJ Prophcts,on whith Chvifts '. Ch irchi* baiUcd, than to builJ upon the boggs of after vrritcrj.

B 3 niflied

niHicd at your ibufe of Scripture in this matter: And *vhcn you rite Scripture silegorically in this nianncr ^ you may doc well ^o call to remembrance, what your felfc have noted out CAK. Staj. $. of M'. Knevfiubs againft theHcrcfies f^f N'.N, faq. 61. To ij.p.igf' H^hold thelierefits fff N. N. this is one ^eciall attdprincipall praBicgythat the hifioriey and native fenfe of the Word of ^od is dltogethtr mgleHtdofkimt and in flead thereof u entertained an allegoricall andhoHardly conftrM^ionyfofili/h and fond cU^in^i-onst ^hlch thing utterly defaceth the eertaintie of the facred Serifture,andtnaketk no other thing f't^than a mfe of ypaxc. rhiii-i.' The Apoftlegiveth charge ^tfA'?W^;*^^di3^J^ But who are

DeodatMa'. Bi- ^jQgj ? Falfe TcacherF, who didbarke againll the doftrine of ^: . falvation by Chrift, prcfled Circumcifion, as ncccffarie to lalva-

fene andTm- tion,were returned to their old vomite,and being formerly oi pure J thus he Jcws made Chriftians, were fallen back to Judaiime. And is callcthfrlfc there any v^ftion, but we muft take heed of thefe, and all Pi'opJ^^^jw^o others of the fame kinde ? And this is that which Zanchy con-jrhtebufntflb^ firmcth, by many other Texts of Scripture, T/*. That not onely and falvation theTeacher&^huttheVaithfullmufilearneto kson» andbe"^are of m«n did of ravening wolves^ blinde guides, who bring not the doSlrine ^ cenfift in part ChriHy denie all the Articles ofTaith^or fome at leafl jpeake frr-*Vh*^L°^*^ 'i^rf^*hlngs,a»ddra^Di/Hplesafter them. But what is bt-, and impoivd a ^^^^ of fhamc and honcftie, when men apply this againft necc Tuic to them that preach Chrift truely and intirely,and adminifter the obferve the holy things of God purely, by authority received from God.' Mofaicall cere- Q^ againS Communicating with them in the Ordinances of monies, ^a. Godjwhoprofeffe the faith, are called to difyence the ordi-zanch inPh uances of Religion,becaufcinfomcparticular, their calling 2.sed de Co.- was not orderly,as it ought, or the perfons endued with gifts,

•vcndis falfis ' .

Do5ior.Bern.fup. Cant, fem.^i. A\o(ten contagion crcepcth at this day through the whol body of (he Church^the widerjthedefperarerjthcmore inward,thcmore dcad-ly,&c. Ye be cr.Ued Pallors, when indeed ye be fpoilcrs,and w uld God the nulke and fleece iidfuffice you, ye thiiJl for blood. IheArchPricft vifiteth his charge to fill his purl'ejhe bctraycthinnocent blood, he fcliethmurders,.idulteiic$,ii.icc(tj-, fornica ions, 6:c.Holcot hi fap. lib. k£liiz. The Priefts of our age are like the Piicfts of B'?'z/> they are wicked Angels : theyrefemblc dtc/'iicifts oiDagon^ they arc /rielb of pmpin,SLnd Angels of He !>

ii(Jli/T.\'ovel.r0:^ji. iij. DiV.^rs complaints hwc been brought us agiiriir Cl« rkes, ^^ogks and ma^y B iliops, thu lomc h adc not rhejr lives accoroii g to the iacrcd Ca-r^-ns, others cannot the publike pra^ eri,which fltould i e 'a/a at the fa re i ol'lation, or ba;titir.c

as

C'5>

as God requireth. Further aiifwcrc may be taken out of that which hath been fpoken,to the former p^flages,fbr one anfwcr Willnt-tbiL^mall. ,., , -

To cominunioatc in the true VVorHvp of God,. witK Mioi-ftcrs no better than ignorant, idle, proud^ crue!!, ,coveto^$and ' profane Priefts, no better than Scribes and jPhafilecs, v neither 4 vaifie Worjhip, nor ^n abetting <^ the party inhii [inne, nor to re-tell agai/iji the Lord^ nor to Commit ffiritual/Vfihoyedome , «r r» ernJbr^^e the hjofnc of an harlot. Thcf? are gre^ft words to affright, but they a"'re of no For'r* to hurt, if a man will not cowardly yecld without ?ny combate. No, to communicate with luch, when God called us thereunto, is to wormip God aright, to revere;iC>: ,his ordinance^, to rely on his grace, to hearken unto hi^ voice, sini fubrf^it unto his cood pleiafure. To fuch communicating he hath promifecf and vouchfi'fed his bleHing, their fcrvice is acceptable unto God , became commanded by him,and they have found him gracioufly prefent to cheere and rcfrclli them. It is without qat;fl:ion, the Prophets, our Saviour , the ApofUes , the Faithful! in all ages have comnunicated with fuch in Gods Ordinances, but not in their fmne: And what man well advifed will % of that pradlicc, that it was either Rebellion againft God, or fpirituall whoredom, or vaine woriliip t The Faithfull mufl: not communicate with thofe focieties in mind or body, where Chrift is not at all preft^nt with the prefence of his grace and love, nor in tliofe polluted Congrcgations,where reall Idolatrie is io ^^y ,8 . pra(!^ifed, that they cannot be prefent, but they muft partake thereui: They muft not communicate with falfe Prophets in Wc have fbr--things of their owne devifing, and which they bring mcerly faken the upon their owncbraine, and not at all from God : but if igno- Strumpet rant,lcandalous, corrupt men, who neither pieafeGod, nor^'^^^ '"■dc arc approved of him in their Office and Miniftration, in a £o- *^™"jj^5 ^^^ cietic profcITingthe intire Faith of Chrift, doc by authoritie '^"f j^e earth difpenfe the Ordinances of God, the Faithfull may and ought with the wine to communicate with them, if they want power to redreflc cf her forni-and amend things out of order. They muft not Communicate cation , and

are gone out of her. if'1 wee fliould be partakers in her finnes, and receive of her plagues, othcrwif'' wee have divided our felvcs neither frem God nor h s Church. BUfon-

in fin, but they may and ought to hold Communion in the ex-crcifes of Religion, with the true Church of Chrift.

Thfjbeef ofChrtfi he^e hii voice , bnt Wtll not heart the voici

M.1C.5. ofafirsttger f But'^houthat Jhanger xi^hom the fltee^ vpill not

heare ? From whom they fie both in minde and body Vfith y»hom

CAN.y/d>.§.n they mnfl hold no Cofftmuniony inward or outward ? Thusfarre

p. iizjuj. you extend the words of our Saviour, and unlcffc they be (o

meant, they conclude not what you purpofe. Is every unlaw-

DeodM. ital. full Winifter this ftrangcr ? Is every unlearned,(candalous, cor-

foh. I ©. 1. rupt Miniftcr this ftranget? Is every one whom Chrift calleth

^L'^* ^ thiefe and a robber, who enters not in by th: aorCyt^ut cUmbe< up

[he fiVe Do- /^'*^ ^^^^^ "^^3^ *^^ ftranger ? Is every one that fmiteth, but

dors, who feed:ihnot theflocf^', that niaketh fad the heart of the Godly,

thvuft m ihtm-firengtheneth the hands of the wicked, mingleth the Truth ofCjod

ftlves without y^ifij Ij^ f^yffjjg dnames , this ftranger ? 1 f thefc be not ftrangers

hif ^vvith f ![fe ^^^^ant by Chrift,much lefle the painfull, godly, fincere Paftor,

doftrinc,and who feedeth the flock with found andwhollome foode, and

an eviU ir.iiid. kadcth them unto the waters of life f And then this paflagc

The true is impertinently alledged. But all thcfe cannot be meant ac-

flje P^"'^." cording to your interprctation,for then abfolutely, all com mu-

ihe reft arc his »"'icating With them in the Ordinances of God is not forbid-

fciyarns, and den, but to receive their doflrine, embrace their errours, or

not the own- follow their manners ,• which was evermore unlaw-

crs of the full,

^Qc tnuft not ^^^ Godly and Faithful! among the Jews, might not refijfc ruk thcii'r to hc3xc the Saibes and Pharifecs,when they had no power to fiiephcaids, caftthemout, and yet they were thieves and robbers, who but they have corrupted the Law,and without queftioiflpake moft reproach-1 cave to di- ^^^ thingsagainft the way and worlhip of God. The godly as^and*flie could not be furc that the Pharifces would not deliver fuch fromihicvcs things, neither did they offend in being prefent at the wor-ind murde- ftiip of God : and yet it will not follow, that a man may heare rets. Q/). lb. i. any one, or any where. Thieves and murderers in the Church of 'fh^-'^'f ►h" ^^^3^^^' Iprung up with them, and continued amongft' jjgJjj^Q^pgg/ them, and neither departed themfelves, nor were caft out by yk (.'bc/ ii'g Others that had authoritie. In the Chriftian Church divers falfc the Lords

I'KiCcpts, andfeningGoQjOughtto fcpnte tbeaifclve.-from a finfuil B fliop BdCn. Ch'/ji. Suhjeil. part, .^.p.i^f. ?or. 5 5 ;. Can Stay. § j,}*. 26. /«vzj.'i-4;if .-//^j i^-* Yj,

C>7)

Teachers, ravening Wolves, Antidirids rofe up, not from a-mong the heathen, or Jews, but in and from themfelvcs, '/**•' '■'^' whereof fome went out from the Chiirch,«nd fcparated tlicm- ^t^' '^; fdvcs, others were call: ojt by excommunication, and delive- I tm 'i^**4. red up to Satan, that they might learnc not to Ualblicmc. O- Thd. I'i^. thers were tolerated in the Church, either becaule their here-fies wer'c not fo pernicious at the firft,or tlie better fide had not power to catt them out, or they preached the fundanientall Truths, but of cv ill mindcs Thcle in reiped: of outward order, were lawfully elecfrcd or called, buttalfe Prophets discovered by their dodrine, no^y their calling, and lome of them v\ he lU a continuing in the Church, the Faithfoll arc not forbidden to polil"cihor-' partake of the Ordinances of God, bccaufe they are prcfe'ir, tcitiTimothy, but to beware of their errours, that they be not infeded by "ottopurtikc them. But, if by ftrangers we underftand onch' fuch as did a- '" ^^^^^ ^^^^ rile from without, and brought blafphemous dodrinc,diredly ''"'• ^°^^ ^"^ contrary to the foundation of the Faith, orfuch as are juftly th°t utX^ un caftoutbytheChurch, that they miehr learne not to bhl-able, unworthy pheme, then the Faithfull might neither communicate with ^'"''^ffs them m publike, nor receive them unto houfe, but flic from T'^^^ ^^ **'"' them both in minde and body. But thieves, who lead not in churdiS ^^^ by the doorc,Chrift,who have ftrangp voices,which the llieep thougJi u"' acknpwledgcnot, who bring another foundation befides Je-'awfully ^ fus Chrift, thefe are not to be enrolled with fuch as teach the dodrine ofVaith truly'.for they are not ftraneers either i^'^f^^''^fi>t'tar'>-rcfpcdofSed, Religion, ©rLawes, they arc of the houfhold'""'''^'^T^' of God, they fervc the Lord as he hath prefcribed, and.walke Sft c«-according to his Law. And what is it to wreft the Scrip-yi//^, That ture,iffhis be not, when that which is fpoken againft utter vvhcrcas the aiemies of our Saviour Chrift, who reefed to be fhep-^'^°P*.'" heards under him, and his Enligne, is applied to them who arc'^^^*^ ***'"

chqfcn by the people df the placc^ andfu^itiently cxammej,^nd allowed by other Bi? ftiopsi adjpyhing.arid'openly crested in the Chiir Ji, C^'ifl\vit'im \\\ ffcad of the Chui^cli? would have his^ Faiace fuccecd,and for the* mtiltuude of people , and right AH'emblics (to elcft ) he commanded three Eunucbes to Vz prcfenc, and three of his Spies ( or Prolcrs) for you cannot call them Bifliops Jthat they iixe m his palace.might create one i^c/iKa liiihop.And npung what rosier jhe Emperor and his Eunuches madcjhc faith. In iilorum locum juveneiUbidk'^fos.e.hnUds^iecMydnf^ qmacm tmbutoSynec non & bigams, & maximis crimm'bKi ma'caadtcnm, modi iurrum diO^at, veUiii cmptrnt eforo nd EpifcopA-iuifummijoe. B^Con CIn ifiiM Subj.^n z.p^d{,z<^f.

..•.■CiV-'ij'.. .

© hit-

(18)

furnldied withfingular knowledge, wifedome ?:kJ utterance, tea<. 1: the truth of the Gofpell intirely, and leadc the fhcep ot' Chrift to the wa*-crsofhfe, whole labours God hath bleHcd, whole voice the-heepheare and receive, in whofe meflagc they rejoyce, and whom they follow as ihey teach Chrift. You pretend the tcftimony of the learned in this matter, but let the places be examined, and they will be found, either to make directly againft you, or nothing for you, as I lliall havcoccaliontclhewinthcnext Se<Sion, and fliall be done more fully, when you (hall let do\"ne the words of the Authors^ whereupon you buHdj and attempt from them to make good your concluliort. In thcmeanefpacelwillforbcaret^'-dioi'ny to repeat over and over again, that fuch and luch make nothiiig for you^ and fuch and ftich arc grolTely abufed and fal-fifyed.

Now let us lay the Principles and IhfcrenGc together, and fee if they clofe; ''■;"■

The Nonconformiffs complain of many grofleabufcs in the Minifterie, ^n the Eledion, Ordination,Qmlities of the Per-fdn admitted, and execution ofthe funfHon; as,that ignorant, ncgHgent,prolanemenarefct over the flock; andNon-refi-d^ntSi Pluralifts, men of corrupt mind es, who dilcouragcthc godl/i and heattcn the proftne. But this complaint they put not up againft all, but many in the Miniftery. The Inference you would make upon their ground is, That it is unlaw** full to communicate, not onely with thcle men, in the Ordi-nance^of Gods WoTlhipjbut even with the moft'lcarncd,god-ly and painfull, who teath the Truth, live holiiy, dilpcnccthc MyKeries of GodlinelTe purely, be approved of the Congregations, and blefled of the moil high.

If I took pU'afiirc in your veine f callitaByoupIcafe) I' C AW. Stay, couldfay, 1 Inf^cltwy fight^andJAskeofmj[elfeavdneMd^' §,ii,' p. 114- gMtie, conld'the Treat, "^ritefo unskilfttllj: For*f thii be not d Non JequitHr,then FooUs cannot ^eaki Nott^fenfe. You may take it home. For I know not t© whom it can be fo fitly apply ed as to your felfc. When this Inference is made good by Scripture, Reafon, or Learned Author, I fhall lidpefl that tfcc Non-conformifts doe.not walke according to their Principles; But till then, tliere is juft ground to think,that in making fuch Ii^ferenccs, you abufc both your fcUt and others, That which

you

\,

yoi^audcconc?rniiig the dumbc Mimftcrs oat of\M. Pfftyy^ isfecfidcs thcppini, for he wasoo Non-confo^raift^bllt a St-^ '^ a^- Nccef. f^iratift, by your c©nf«sifion; ^ ifnoputu, ffietk Wi// fkMii; °^ ^^*P'J ^. fitr thim,yet men of piety, learning, and /udgc^icnt doc, and s^..^ g "^* ^^ muft plcade {.tor it is a truth) that there is not an ahlblute Nul*- the Reader. litic of tbcir Miniftcric: and this I pr«fuine upon better advice, you will not denie, or iff ou doc, ^oamuft not ftay in the Separation, which you have nwdc.

, ^: £ c. II.

C A N J Neccfiicic of Separation, pag. zp, JO,

NOnt ma^, iif^re, or,)oyne -n SfwdtUAll ConmtmiiatL with t^atAiu^i^erit^^'hidhhatb mt a. true vocation And catting hj tle^ton^ H^rebahon^ amiordination ef that FaitJgfu/lpeopUy'^ijerehf utottdminifier :Butthf frefentAif-Id pag. ^6. niSferit of tht EccUftafiicaU <iA^entt lies ef England, hath not a ]^^^^^. '^^^-true vfi€ation and calling by etc^ion, approbatton and ordination p^"-^ 79^"* sfthc FaithffiUp€ofh Ww^ they t/4dminifitr. Therefore none Stipcndiariw ' mt{ft hear^^ cr f^ynein SplmttallCojunmnion'^iththfprejent &c. be, neither Mit>ifierie of thfEcckfuiflicaU Afemblies of England, '" elcftion nor

muhofthe Propofttions the Non^ironformip ^iU dtnie I ""J^^^^^^^^^ kno^>f$t:butfure fam, they are both iioiirs. HoW'beit ( it ^^rs a-rccablc fn^^ be ) th^y doe not ft Wel/rtri^b their.fiTA^nePrwcipleif^ as they to the vVord ot /hanld ; Andhe^e it it, that their pra^ice it notfo iiri^ly an- God,then is fWn-ablc to their ?Yofejfion , and therefore doegiVe Jkfi occafiom ^^^^^ Miniftt-( I ffeofkeitroithgriefr ) unto the Frtlates, and their'ParaJites<, \^:^.^y^^^[\'^ati-toinfinnate againfi them hypocriticall et^ds. In condemning /<»chrjftian,an<i

fo ccnfequent-iv rhcydcalevtith the holy tilings of Gnd. Can. S"r.;T'§; i i. pag. i i?- All thcfi: affirmc, Tlui wlvjfocvcr taketh upon liim :o preach, without* lawtull fending, iom-mrth in not by alav^ifullcle^lton, andholy Church ordinance jbutbreakcih in againfi order, bv force and favour of men, and by humane Iaw:S , he is a Str.mgcr, a thiefc , a miirdcrtr. accordino toChrillsfaymgs m fthn i o. And thus bavc the old Writers ex-pouruicd cbc pbcis, as lrie,icui lib. 4. cap. 4 Clar-ens jikxan. lib. i.. '^titu:. Cypr, lib. J. Epift. <i\&j6^.^idit/iUi m lohir I©.'A«j)^/\.v^ i«bn 10. c- iheodtrtt ibid, and others. . . ■-■ • ~

D 2 grii-

(20)

W f C^'*^^^) '**'^ ^^^ to far take in the kncv/fneevills and Ahnfes there-Ccv^^tplii. to *'/•' "^f^^fi^ «;f'»^'» lamBthet^ifc minded than the Bijhofs in the Reader. thij things and^ae thinke^ that they doe ofconfcience condemnethe VVhubettcr fiateofthtChttt'ch,bHtdoe not maturely conjider therefyonfive (houldwe ex- conelftfoxSj'^lnchfoUoVP upon their Priheiplet, For whichcaufe pcft troin J have vcrittenofpurpfethisTr«atife,tdprave they cannot JH-leek to put out ft*fi^ ^^^^ Tenents Againfi that Churchyand ^andmembers i(W-the light a- fnlly thereof. game, v^hich

hith been by themrdvcs chiefly revealed unto many i fcnovr wh.it I fay, and hatrc good expericQcc of this thing.

An s w e r.

HA N N I B A L faidmce ( {aith M. 7arker ) There -WAS notfo much as one in all the enemies campe, that W^/ called G\(co :So may it truly befaidno^y Notfo much publ"o *d ia ^ one of the godly J^hifterSy thlitfujfer in England about the the prof.inc Difcipli*:c. that may defervedly be called a 'BroWmJf. And the rehif.ofthc Nonconforoiifts doe iTD iDorc lay the grounds of Separation, ^'°r"'f ^ ^^""^^ ^^^ Refcimcd Chi'tches fowcthe kede of Libertinifme, CrciTo°piit\ ^^^ x^rabaptiftric, which of all others they have moft foiindly C.9. §^z. " confuted,and judicioufly laid open to the world, without Asforthofe feckingtojuftific ought, that clfewhere upon good reafon tfthcSepara- ^i^cy condemned to be evill. But it is no new thing to re-non , ^^ proach them as the Authors of crrors,here(ies,cr fchifmes,\^o thim m"ore principally laboured the fuppreiTmg of them. No man crycd than wee ? downc the ErrouT of the Manichees concerning a good God ov who hwe and an cviU, fo much as zAttfiine: and yet their opinion is writtcf* mote ^ ^.^a^ged upon theni that hold his opinion of abfolutc Predefti-s?mcthines' nation. ThcpofitionsoftheStoicksanl'wcretothe opinions

cf iraththfy

hotd , with which we thinke it no more finnc forus now to agree, xhinCyprian once to agree with 'i^vauafiHi m that which hce cftecmed right^cJ^c. So whatloeverftirre or ledirion wo-s moved by the uiibeletvjng Icwcs, it was imputed to the lews that were Chriflia >s, who were thought to be all one With them. Cafa/.Barifi. Annal. in anno 201. ^heitnpiuitieof the Gnoft:cks,was drawnc to the defamation of all other Chnfhans,

nodifterence being made between them Cicer. rar,iii. z. M Sutcl.traii.de dj/c.Cd ly.

vag. 16^ Bell ifCh.Gozern.cap.ii.pag.xsi.J $i.Ba?iCi0fi,trafi.u/d/fcip.cap.i ?.M.43«>.

4J 1.43X LAtis^juri}».EceIef.pag.6i.6i. So whereas the Egyptiamwerediriyveniu^j

^u t'jundL, ja^iameSi ■vaWyUbtn^ nroariimreturn cupieniti: the Chnlti:;ns, ind all that arc

there dwelling, ate thought to be the very fame.

f>f

oi the Remonftrants concerning "Free VVlU and power in Man: but the contrary fide is burdened ther-.with. The grounds of the Nonconformtfts ftand dircdly oppofitc to the fpcciall grounds ol- Separation, and yet they ''carc from fome, diat they be Separatifts in heart, from others, that they have laid the foundation, and the Separatifts build upon it., and tliat fuchas have m^dc anfwerc to the Separatifts, doe againft confcience put out the light, which hath been by thcn/elves ' chieHy revealed.

It is true, they complains ofabufcs in the Church ( and not to excufe humane frailty ) Ibmetimes with heat and fervour cxcellive, and humbly fuc for reformation. But to fcek rc-drcffc ot what is out of order, is rather to endeavour the re-pairc of what is ruinous, than the plucking of it down, ft is one thing dutifully to urge the proceeding of cur Church unto ferfeBion, another,fckijmatically to leAve^andforfakc her. Betwixt thefe /W<7, tlxre is as much difference , at U hetyveene that ^' ^' ^^ "" child that in tender a fetlion reprovethy<tnd. lairoureth the ^^for-i^^^^^iy ^5, .mation of his Mother, whom hefeeth bj her indifc*rst kehaviour Hpifl. la the to become a reproach among Vromen-^ and him that under pre- Kcackr.. fence of the hate of her uncomely behaviour, JhoMd plucky out her boypellsy andforfake her.

They complainc of abules remaining in the Reformation, not denying that a wonderfull and gracious reformation is already made, but moving to a through and perfed reformation of what is wanting and out of order. For willingly they confefle, that next unto the Lord God, every one of them is moft deeply bound unto the Kings and Princes, whom he bath ufcd as excellent inftruments to deliver his Church here, out of the fpirituall Bgjpt of Poperie. ThU they "Willingly confejfe ,.,

before men, and in their prayers daily give moji humble thanks tOg'^^ '^ * ■'"" God for J And by their earnefi fuite^ and h tmble dsfires , vehich they have for further reformation ^they arefofarrefom unthankc fulaejfe, that they dejire the heape offelicitie to tfx Church and Commontrcalth.

Which of the Prophets doth not cry out againft the Pricfts »n time of the law ? Againft their pride, oppreftion, covctouf-ncHe.,tyrannic; that they defpifcdknowledge, oppofed the true Prophets of the Lord, countenanced impietie and pro-fancneffejandftiewcdthcmfclves enemies to all goodnefle?

D 3 Did

C")

Did the Prophets then, whokncw what it was to workc according to their o wne Principles, teach a neccffitic of Se^ra^ ♦•ion, Of give prcfiJents to ethers to fcparate by their example I Plathd Im'tta in all ages of the Church, complaints have be n r>ade agaiim: MarccUift. Hivic abufcs of this nature, by all forts, arcient and mouemc j who autemcaimiid-^^^^^ dcnj'edtheChurches where-the true fait> was profcl-^'^^>^;'-'''''"^'^''Ted, to be the true Churcl^es of Chrifl- : Cjv^m tomplaincs ifJj^l^t^'U^y3S,,BtreIJimmevoHnjtriHhkd, th^t the Church hath mar Eufcb. &c. *^y P^fiors , »«<; not onely doe not oppoje their hpeUes agatnjf the Cjpr. de dhplicl incurfions afrmlves^ hnt alfo they themffk/ei doe yUj the parts of Martyr. Hie ^olves^ yfhtles they defiroy thefouLt of thejimple^ they themfelves difaucwr qiwd ^^^i„^ ffj^i^ bellies^ gaine And ambition ; and make merchandife ^ao}ts"haleat "ffthe fVord of Cjod^ and adftlterate it V^ith ungodly opinions. The ecclejta qui non Counfell of Nice makes complaint. That many things in the ad' JoiHfnnonoppO' fuljfionof Presbyters and 3iJhops\>:>as done cortrary to the Rule^^ nuntpia corpora ^^^ j-^^^ ffjg o^ceofa Pafior, andgcvernment of the Church .'" 7^"' VCM committed to men altogether Hvrporthy^ Hierom reproach*-Jo^m etiam ip- cth the Bil"hop of lerufa/em,thzt he conld, as himlclfe boaftcd, fiiupos agavt, make in one houre a ihoufand Clarrks : and condcmnctb it in o-^^' thers, Thiit Qlarkes run to the 'Bijhops fuffraganes certaine

C(mctl.l<tc. 1. ^lJ^J oftheyeere^ and bringing fowefuTmne of money, they are oT" dih 4^ cat' ^^^^^> being chofen of none. Ambrofe {he WCth the abuie in his Lea ad Afritan. timc, to be this, If a man askedfome of them who preferred them Bp'ili. 8 5 .Grat. to be T^riefts^anfrcere is made by and by ^ that the (iyfrchbifhop for dilf.6i.ca.'). an hundredJhillin^sordained me Bijhop. Naz>ian3jen in Apo* Uicon.adOce- j That they which handle holy thinos ^^ith unwajhen hands, ^^ ^ and polluted fouls, are more tn number than they, over whom they

• T.C. I (pi. I .pa^. rule ; iJ^iiferi inpietate, miferi in Iflendore. And ad; A'iaxi' 41. mitm. Ad P aft or alls muncris adminifirationem nihil centnle-

^■irnbr (\c offic. y^yif^ yiiji quodcomam quam turpiter alere Muduerunt , raferunt, lib. \,up. so. j\nd in the fame place : Depecuniisiamin ecclepabellum oeri-cjp. 2i. Ex MO *^'^' ^Vl^a^ Bafi.1: of an MeathM was made a Christian, he in Ecdifi.s,fi- i^ith That he did greatly reoHder at the dij[entio>is , \^hich Were cut in imperii in the Ch»rch concermnff Faith ^ and the contentions of the Go-homciw, crevii i-crnors: hecaufe every one leaving the do5lrine of OHr L<srd le-txdeicCTdoie f**^ C^^^f^> ^^^(challenge to himfelf, by his owne authoriti", cer-c> zijltfdc t/-' taine rules and orders : Alfo 9 perceiveddijfeptions to anfe from pheta. hence, be^aufe there was no difcipline, no knowledge of Cod, or it

J^afin Afi ctichrp^ perverfe if any. Cliryfoftomc; ' Ncque iiktneritos folum ad-t r\.r:r;i'cr. legKnt^fedor idoneos eiiciunt. The T'<'/(fm» Councdl^ com-

pbinc,.

plaints that for eighteen yferesy no Synod wAi heldy Whence came ^rojfe ignorance, and corruption of the (^Unifiers, It would be too long to fet downc at large the grave, ("harpc and lai-nen-table comphints, that Nichob.s de Clemmg-^ Tetrus de Alittco^ ^<^( '^(jcM. ^fr»/<r</, andour9//i«J,havepublil"Iied againfl; the Ecclefia-/^^^''^'"^^-^^^''-fticali Govcrnours of their times, for their ignorance, pride, 'rtirMdc Aiiaco luxurie, riot, drL:p.kenncfle,perfecution of all true godlincfle, ^efumat .eccIc. covctoufncfTe,rapine, contcntierw, brawlesj fimonie, and ^crtumconv. what not ? And fince the time of Reformation, not the In- ^' ^-fi'-^-Hcu conformifts only, but the godly Bil'kiops,;;and Martyrs them-f/f^r"^^^^' felvcs, have obferved,be wailed, and reproved thefc abufes. Fa- pt'r/eculiZe 'tta therZ^jf»*rr,inliis Sermons generally, but in his Sermon ofp>im',quivi^cn-the Plough, is plaine and large a^ainft the pompe and idkneiTe ^''"' '^ r^<^cliCn of Billiops, who LorcL it over, hut feed not the Flocl^ ofChrtfi, ^ f^'^^^t^fn muz^e the people in ignorance And profay;e>jejfe ^ live *''*otouflyy\^^J/L i^ hunt after preferment,but feek^not the winning of fouls unto God, Pa-rum en w-Bifhop Hooper compIaines,laying, It is great pity to fee how^ris viiiUbus^ farrethato^ceofa'BiJJjopii degenerated from the original I in 1"'>'^ "o» /^>-the Scripture, itn-as nctfo at the beginningywhen BiJIjps^ereat ^^i' r^ the beji, as the Epifi. o/Paul to Titlis tefiifieth-^tka Willed him to sle i^gir.de^C ordaine in eveyy ptic ofCreete a "Bijhop. And as lliarply and fm-d. Ecelcf. dofcly hecaiiureth the Billiops ot his daics, for arrogating to ^i''^-chcmfelves fo much witt, as to Rule and favc in both States, ^''p'^*' °" ^^'^ in the Church, and in the CiviUPolicie, and to the contrary,^,^°'J^'5' piofeflethjT'^^r one of them u more than any m.in u able tofatif- wolulitr. de fiei andthjt it i^ notpoffible that one Jhould doe both well ^ andpont.Rom.pre" that it is a great overjight of the Princesy and higher Towers of.''^^-ad^uduo the earthy fo to chargt them with two burdens, when none of them, \^'^ j^ff^^'^' AS hefAtthy is able to beare the leafi of them both. The accuia- pyhno invwi^ tions which are brought againft both the Miniftcrs and mem- est, quodipfo bers in the Separatifts Congregations are not few, nor light, '"^'"■*<' riugU notfuchascan be wiped away with reproaches. All t\\t[tt^'Z'''*'''-^'^"''f'^' have borne witnefle of the great difordcrs and corruptions,^^;^f^''J^^*

dcmesjiidica-.-runt- ^i»d quamqiiam yumfiatim apparult , tunen mifcra exper'iatua de'mceps demtn/liO' vit.Tum eaim ambtt'ioinpfii m Eahjiam, & Epifcupi aeferunt inn minus de di^aUate Ci^rum fcdium^ qium de Chr:fti grc^e cogitarCy &c. Cicge-i: A'4^'4»^. orut i. pjg. 3 ^p. They intrude thcmlclves unto the molt holy Miniflenes vrith unw.ifhen hands and minds , -as they fay, and bcfoie they arc worthy to come unto the Sacramcntf,tkcy aftcd the San-cluarie it k\ k,& ciramficrofaJiSlam menfamfreniuniH,- &proicndi*^m-,c{iQcm[ng this order no: an example of vcrtur, but a maintcn.mce and kclucoflUe.

wuich

which have been in the Church of God, but they never dcen> eu the focietie w^s to be abandoned,. bccaiifc of thcle great ^id erroneous blcmillies, rather they fough the redrefle and reformation of what was amiflc.

If fome things of man be mixed with thj." /hich is of Cod, as humane fuperioritic with divine Miniflerie, ':hc pure wheat with Ibmechaffe, the holy Sacraments witi. rites favouring of fuperftitionj a found ChrilUan is not to caft away what is of God, as a nullitie, fruitleflc,defiled, Antichriftian, Idolatrous, becaufcfomewhat humane is annexed unto them, nor in defence of the good to be charged or condemncd,as going croflc Aug. defid. & ^q ^^^^t which hc taught againft the cvill. If an unmeet Mini-^°"' XTiw'i ^^'^ ^ ^^^ ^" °^*^^' ^y whomfoever the elcaion is made, hc is p'iam^^i^aam of men, or humane: "but forthwith there foUowcth not a nul-ptrtinere arhi- litie of his Minifterie. If a fit Miniftcr be chofen diforderly, cramurt ut & in that choice '.'icre is fomewhat humane, but the Office or ctmesin eccUfu ^4inifterie is of God. In the body we can diftinguifh between %XsITkrt-- ^hc ftibftance and the fickncfTe which clcaveth unto itjbctwixt mtii.iurt. ani. the fubftanc 3 of fome membcr,and a bunch or Iwel'ing, which Nkui. in Bell, is a deformitie, but deflroyeth not the nature, taketh not a-conir J./. I«. 5. -way the ufe of that part or member.

i. I .ca. ? .mt.z^. j^^^^^^ anfVcere can be given to the ttrgnntent dra^n from Popfn*ofd?na- *^'^^grounds ? tphichTropoftion in the fyllogifme frofOHnded, tion, faiih, ^^^ ^"'y denie,feeing they are both theirs ? A parne ad to^ If both be thcirs, they cannct denic them, but hc that hath ium ntn pme- fgen you by your writings onJy,knoweth by experience, iflie dii argument a- j^^^ ^^^ ^ „ ^y^jj j^ jj ^Qt lafq to truft your oarc faying, or imealKiuidm. confident Afifertion. ^ ' ^

hill faciunty trga The Nonconformifts dilQ^mc the Major,as none of theirs: nihil!faciunt or- andthc AfTumptionjfofarrcas it is true, makes nothing ?» dhuiiamm. gainftthem.

SfZa ^'^^^* ^^^ Nonccr.farmi'ls never held Oidination by the efiy ptma-nt pcople, where he is to adminifter, to be necefTarie or effentiall facimus; quod a in thc calhng of a Miniftcr^ For in their opinion, ordination malo efifadmus

nrhili. Cdvinits atttem co in loco agit dc yitibm advc7Uitiiifol'm,no)t de oidi^atione tttaftfnplki-tor. {mpofition of handSjWhcrcby thc extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were g' .en unto BelccrerSjVfaipeculiar tothe rtpoftIcs./i(5?.8.i4,i 'i.ii).6.&videBe\a.aKrjet,fKajoT.in xACI. 19. Synopf,purfor. Theol. dijput.z^.§. J *• 3 } -Jja Pafto- es eligCTidi, eft fates Ecdtfiam^ac pmnde pkbi cmvenit cum fresbyte-fU Jaseos ordinandi folis Preibyteris ejt propriu .C an V ^cef. o£(epjc.i.p.i./utt. aniinad.mBeil.ion{.^.l.\.ca.i,not.$iio. BelLdetUr./.i. ca.^.^.Accedai.

bq-

bdongcth not to thccommunitieofthcFaithfizll but to the

Prcsbyterie, or CcUedgr Ecclefiaftiait, and may and ougut to

'^^ performed b the Presbyters of neighbouring Congreg

tbns, if theyhavc none of their owne, or not "a competent

number. Thus y^u your felfe relate their Pofition. More<mer, =

ever J officer ia the Chnrch , mufl be ordained bj impojition of

hands of the Eloirfhi^^ the ^hole Chnrch joyning with them in

falling and prayer.

Secondly, They give not the fole power of Election to the commiinitiecfthe FaithhiU, but require their confcnt in the deAion, by the guidance anu diredion of their Governors, and sec ca 'vh Epilt the Ecclefiafticall CoUedge, to whom the Government of iji.c^/«/?if./4. the Church is committed. They allow not that every fmall'^'^/'. 5.§. if. companie fhould doe as they pleafe, or (land upon their owne ^- ^- ^'^P^-'^-P'^g-' • bottome; But as the Church is to be governed by common l^^V^/, counfell, and confent of the Ecclcfiafticall Cc^^dge, io the Cie- Zfi!^t'JiJr'Qd aion and choice of the Paftor or Teacher, is tc be made by tlie pr^cme ©• mdel diredion and counfell of the Senate. A Paftor ihould not be ^<^"'^ c'^''" '^i'rciby^ thruft upon the people without their knowledge and approba- ^'^'^'^l ^''^', ^^'"* tion.neitherihouldthepeopleproceed therein without dire-Swlr/!:' aion of the Governours. . ^ pulusfolus digc-u.

Thirdly, The Minifter doth not derive his power or authori- ^on eft autm ab (9 tic,cithervertually or formally from the people, butimmedi- f'^f'ifipericuium.Hbi atelyfromChrift, whofe fervant he is, for the Churches uTc ^"J^^^^^^^^.''"^' and benefit, in whofe name lie muft execute his office, whofe Pmbymmm, Vaflr-mcflage he muft deliver, whofe feales he muft difpencc, and to timcmfiiw & auitn-^vhom he muft give account, "^his is that which Framifcus^le ^^^^<^ vidmru/n e-rr<^tfW4,the matter of C*<««faffirmeth Cthough his words be f'^^''^'^'"* ^^^-f"'': ignorandy drawnc to another purpofe, 1 fuppofe you know by ^S"o/ur'tJ!!' .vhom) That a/i'SiJhops doe derive Inrifcbiiion And fswer im-ca.y.fwf.i^^' ' mediate/jf from God. ^mctliti hi ^.Stnt.

Fourthly, If the people have guren away their power •£ c- ^^■'^*- ^^- ^-^a.^. ledion, or be not fit to chufc, through their ignorance or Cm- J^^/,&/^'f^

mduue a Chriflo' Horb. Lenk.l.z.tap.i.i.prop. 1?. pag. ly?. Jfaque potencuiguaM^&c.Fr.de/^iaor.i/trel. de fotcft. crdc. ^z.iV. B. The church plea. '§. ^.pag. 78, A difpute.par. g. cap. 8. pag. 167. Of hirnv;!' j i<> obtruded and thruft ui^'on apeovlc wiihout their ownceleftion, it ij well faid by Zofichrui, 1 hat he can neither excixife his Mimftenc with a good confcienccjnor yet be ore-fitabk to the people. Sec Ftdf^iu Rhem, in Epbe. 4. 13. A$ foinc people be of that diip«£. tion, that they know better to He govciucd, thi 1 to govetnc. Grai. de JHre belli, lib. i. t. 5. pj^.4^. fo it farcth with fomc Chriftians, that it is better they fliould be provided for, than left to provide for themfeWcs.

E pH-

Elicitic, or that libcrtic be taken from them, they conceive it to eamaiKTcordefcftinthecaUingoftheMinifter; but this dc-fcCt doth not mak'^ a nullitic of the office, or a6.s done by vertuc of that calling,which he hath: For in every true Church, where the Word of God is intirely Preached,and rec';:i\ ed, and the ;>a-craments for fubfrancc rightly adminiftred, there i«? a true Mni-fterie^andatruccallir^ to the Minift'eric* though in f€>tne things maimed and faultie. In the Church of God , and no where eHc» all found and faving truth is to be found : for the Church is the pillar and ground of Truth j and where the pro-feflfion of all faving Truth, with the right adminiftration of the Sacraments is found, thae is the Church,which ordinarily cannot be had, maintained or continued, without a true Miniftc-ric, nor that without a true calling.

The laving truth of G od, and a true Minifterie are eflcntiall G><tfw».7)f<rmJ^. .(Qttietrue Church,confiflingof all it parts, and partaker of 6 J. rj/?. 2 z, a 3. ^^^ Ordinances of grace. Something oi thefe remainc in every campletcfocietie, whichhathanything of the Church, and i^a m vfta Bene^ ^^^ &ftance and ctTence, they are true in every true and lawfull jn the Primitive complete focietie; But as the profellion of the truth may be chutch,thc people found in all fundamental! points, though mixed with many er-whic h were Lay- rouTS : fo for Truth and exiftence,the Minifterie may be lawfull, men, chofe their tj^ough in many particulars delinquent and deficient. fon ETme"h?BL In the true Church then, there is a true Minifterie, But the fhoi^s 'of Rome true church hath continued -there by the ble/fing of God, thcmielvcs were where the Election ofMiniftcTs hath been given away by the n )t chofcn with- people, or taken from them.

T-^p^in °" &c °^ ^" '^^^^^ ""^^^' ^^^ ^^^^ Priefthood xvas bought and fold for IndthTEmpcron fiionie,^ andfomtimesit wasmade annuall, that every yeere were poflefleii of ic ncw Priefts Were created,as thofe GoAiemours, whom Kings !is their rig,ht, ever change every yeere: that as every man wouW lay out more or fixe the staiegof telTe monic, he fhould obtaine, or lofe the Priefthood. Which ^cb'vtstTfa'm ^^^^^ ^^*^"^"^^^examplesoif lafon and Menelatts, Never-3 pag.r68. '^ *^^ thclefle, fo long as the Church of the Jewes continued s'oi.imbi.' the Church of God the Priefthood continuedalfo. t Mac.^ iA^6, In the Primitive Churches, when the people had a voice in ^7. W(p' ^n!iq. the choice of their Teachers, oftentimes there were fadions in 'ti^up the Church,the people ftood againft their Guides, and the

o'rmLiairnwide Guides againft their people, and the people were divided one pJjftffaic. cap. 18. cmil Laodc.cap. ij. NQaesl^efmiuemimi mbis, &c, lan.mmaflv' U

againft

againft anotho*. And fometimes, either thrc#ugh flotb, or tor pcacc,thc t^aftors l^ft the eledion of Officers to the pecpk^iid RufSn. lib. 11 c: 3. thf. i>cople challenged it unto themfelveSjand fometimes'aeaine '^' • they took it from cheir people, and challenged it to them-^^''^-''''^-^'^''^• felvfc.^ ButintWc nidsofthefc broyles, he was accounted a Au<7ufl.£fy/?.iio t^ii^ Miiiiftcr, who.wa$ eleded, whetlier by the Guides, or by & 22 j.' '' " thcpeople,orbycheEi«perour, fo he taugiit the dodrin^ of ^'^^/./j/j^./i^.z-f-?-Salvation truely. And if this be not admitted , what (hall be ^^'5^-^9-done, when the .people and their Elders be divided in the ^7*''^''"'^''"*' choice of a fit Officer or Guide. If the people prevaile againft Sozom. hift.izxg. their Elders, he whom they chufe is no Minifter to them, be- 1^,1?. caufe notchofen by their Suffrages: ]£ the Elders againft the ^iazianz. mEfit. people, he whom they approve is no Minifter,becaiife he wants ^^'''"' , ^ the peoples voice. And it the people di{Tent,thc\' muft feparatc Thf^\'^/?t'^ and cxcommurncate one another, became to the one part he is xj. no Minifter, whom the other approve. GTdtia7tMn.6i.rj

Though Qj^rian teach, ThAt MimSlersJhould be ehof«nby the i.'>' -• feople, yet this forme of Efedionwas not in fome Churches ^^/^''•'' ? '.''V^-»4-in Cyprians time, who were cfteemed true Churches, and true n-. b. The Church Minilters. And Cjp^^'*^ himfelfe appointed ttAweliHs a Rea- pica. §. 8. pag. 00! der, without advice of the Church, by thcauthoritieof his fel- ^•^- 'fp^- ^-pai;*. low-Miniftersthen prefent. C:**^-

FinUnfts was ordained of the people, Elder of the Church, a- (JY' 'e1% \ Ij gainft«^if*j^«/?t«^jmindeand will. ^thmAfius made Frtir- i^.\plfi^j!'^ ^'^^ Tftettt'tHs Billiop, and fent him to the Indies, he created Pres- ihe like he did for bytefs in other Churches, and. when he came into Bgypt^ g^optatus, Saiuus many as he knew addidied to the Arian hCTefie, hee put them ^J^j^^'"^ ^ ^"'"^ out of their place, and whofc Faith he tryed and approved, to Cai*r. infi.i 4.5.4. them he committed the Churches. The Church of ^«ir^«4 §. ,0. gnvethis honor to tx^mc^i,that without his confcnt, it could a uguft.«;?//?. i»j. not chufe a Billiop. You will not denic but the Minifterie of ^ ^^°'^-'-.'.:*,*^- *^ the Church for the firft, fecond, and third, and fourth hundred ^^l^^' "''' ^' yeercsafter Chrift,was true, and might be joyned withail. For So'iom.,'. i. c.zo. thuswritethafrieridofyours ( and as it is fuppolcd by your Socrat./;i;T,/;^.7.c.i. aide. ) Jt^ a^rmedby the Centuries of Magdenburg , that from ^S. {^hrifis afcexfion, unto TrSLJins time y which is about an ^^^^^^p^^f § 3^p3<, g"^ yeers^every partictilar Church iA>as governed by the Bijhops ^ •^^" Cciuur.i.c3.4. dersnndDeacons, anddcfcribing thefiate ofChriBian Churches, Centpr.d^y.col. from Traj ans reigne unto Severus (that is, from theyeere of C hrij} s^ f. I GO /«? 195 j thus they wrrte , The order of government yvas po- --eitur. i.c.y.p. fulai Jor all Churches had cqu.ill poWer if teaching purely f/x'^^'*^^'

E 2 fVord

(z8)

irordofnodyAdminiftrAtion of:the SaCramentSy exeimffMmcAtioft 0fhereuckiand^'kkedf€rfonsyloojing the pnitenty the eUii'ton *f }]doruination ofMinifiers^ And the defofitlon 9f them t^aine for jufl caufe. And even unto Conftantincs tinKy The Primitive purity of Church Government yvas not yet defounu^ with the dregges . of mans invention. Neither had Satan brought in Preiaticail pride into the Jheepfold of the Lord; butPafiors looked every one to the health of his orvne flocks And a litle after he citeth Epipha-niuSy Hierome, Ambrofe^Cyrill, Hi/Mey and Cjregorie Nazian-z£ne,K making for him in the matter of chufing Miniftcrs. But moft certaine it is, within this fpace of time, many things were done, in the eledion and ordination of Miniftcrs, which are ai-redlycroflfe to that which you require as eflentiali in his calling, ifat any time you can prove that all things v/cre obfcr-ved; which I doe not beleeve.

e^w^ro/fhimfelfewaschofcnBifliop,when he was onely Catechumenus, before he was baptized, fothat he was con-ftraincd to teach that which himlelfe had not learned; ycftcr-day catcchilcd, to day a Bilhop. The Eleflion in all things not to be approved as confonant to the rule (for the Canons were ftrong againft it, and Saint Paul fecmeth not willing that a no-Socr. hijt. 15^/. 4- vice fhould bc a Bifliop ) but never thought or efteemcd to be none at all. Of the eledion o^NetiariuSy fee Se^mene and Socrates, lufiinian ordained y If any man build a Church, or houfe ofprayeTy and would have Clerkes to be planted there, if he aUo^ maintenance for them, andpkcefuch as be worthy, theyjhall be ordained upon his Nomination. And the Toletan Councel de. creed. That oi long as the founders of Churches doe live, they f^ all befufered to have the ch'iefe and continuall care of the /aid Chur-chesy andjhall offer fit Retlors to the Bijbop to be ordained : And if the B'lfhop negleElingthe founders fhall pnCume to place any o-therSy let him know, that his adrmffion fhall be voide , and to his fl)ame, but iffuch as they chuje be prohibited by the Canons as unworthy y then let the Bijhop ta^e to promote fome whom he thinketh more worthy .In tht{t particulars,thc cofent of the people is too much abridged, as in Ibme other particulars they tooke too much upon them, or they gave their right away, when yet the.

not'any refponfatic witting thereof; which thing Wjj nercr attempteJ under nny of the Prin-cfS;yourprcdeceflor$,<^f. Yet 1 obeying thcjr grace* l^recepts . did from my heart rcnr.it unto the faid Maxim»Stxh^% his preUiinpiionjas treclyps if he had been ordered by my [t\i,&c. l9/.eil. torn. z. Cvfxil. Farjf/nt c;in.S^

cal-

Brigbtm. m Apoc.

See Inn.ecclA.i.

cap.i.

Sec Socrat. 1.4.C.'>.

lO.lI.

Or e.\6,ij.8ic. ;?5.Gr.lat. If. & ca. i^. Gr ca. ^o.kt.So-^^m^

Ezagr.p.i.c.i

e lo.j J. & rhco.

/.4.C6.

Ambr. offic./. r. J5i//. Chriftrafi Su'->. p.irt i. pag. i3 I. 5o^c»j.1. 7.C3p.8. SocrJt. h/fi.l.'j.

/.'tflm-Novd.iuf. 21 J.cap.18.9. ConciLT»ktan. fa.11 Greg.ty.U.lb^o.

To Confiantia the Eroprcfle. Tbe Bilkop of SakuA WAS ordered, ruither I,

C^9)

calling oftbe Minifter , or the office whereunto he was called inthofecafeSjWasnotanuUitic. Jn many things ( faith the CounceUof pAria, which was the complaint of the Niee*^ Councell long before ) the oldcHjiom U negUCied^ and the decrees of the Canons are hrol^n. But the Minifterie of the Word ^ and Sacraments was not made voide thereby. ; .•».,/.,,.■*..*/'<

The godly learncdjConfonant to the Scriptures , have evermore diftinguifhed betwixt an error in admilfion into an office, and a tiatnullitie of the office it felfe. The Minifters ele-(Jtion into his office, ought to be according to the Rules of the '^cqiu lamtn uhi~ Word: before he enter into the Minifterie, he fhould be blame- '^'^^ ^^ "' panefdix lefTe, apt to teach, found in Faith; and much more is he to ap- ^''^f ^ yf^!* '^-'Z"" prove himfelf to be fuch a one in the execution,confidering that cumdwmdiTdepd falls in the e:;ecution are much more dangerous to the Church, fum .• dkubi mam than before. But defeds in the ele(5lion doe not make the cal- "'«# accuraia diti-ling it ielfe utterly unlawfull. If one blame-worthy be eleded ^^^^''^j irruecat'me or tolerated after, he is not to be reputed as one that minifters tLffr!^SLis-altogether without a calling. Therefore the Non-conformifts /,t„t pniiii, utm-never taught that the Minifter is not to be heard, or that wee ?/*w adt^iOonm muft not hold communion with him in the Ordinances oiT'-'i^^s tefiaiur. Worlhip, who is not elefted and ordained by the focietie ^^f j'^^f''\^f^* where he is to adminifter; thoaghthey maintain the confent GubtiTi!'^'^' of the people to be eflentiall to the fuU.compleat call of a ^lini- riatina w ^-ta Da-ftcr to that place and people. Thus they doe profefle in anfwere »»■'/ *. ^deo emm to this and liicb like accufations. Where ( laith T. C. ) doe they "^"/^-^''^ ^'c mos, reafon thusXhe Word of God is not freachedJ^eCanfe the Mnifiers f if'^.^'f ;7*^-

.If J J I rr J -^ -r . ,, ^ . ■ ^'^l" llC^'i'^^ Petri

are not rtghtiy proved andeletted, q^c. Is tt altene4ofay tt ts not fcdcm invudm. purely preachedj(^ it is not tyulypreach€d,(:^c.They nverfaid,that fd. in vita Benc-there Pi no Adiniflerie in England, nor yet doe ever conclude, that ^^^-^-^ Vbi-cum^ thfre ii no Word, nor Sacraments, nor IDifcipline, nor Church. '^^' "f^^"^ 'f^^' ^

Herein they affirme or teach nothing, but what the godly'^'_^f^),f/,X^^ learned in all ages have acknowledged, ayfnatolttts confecrated a/cve,itate ad ofDiofcoruSyWasap^TovedoiLco and Tharajius, The Qt- Lfnvlam^&c. thodox Fathers profeflcd, fo the 7)onatif}s wouldreturne to ^ .^-^^Z^- ^-P^Z-^^l the Catholikejtrue aiid ApoftolicallTaith or Doflrine, they f^\.i^ ^o would lYot difallow their Bifhops, that they flight--ttnderfiahd Conri'. Nice-!, z. (faith ^Hgnfiine) that CathoUkes did not detefl C hr'iBian con- Auguft.<y>?r brev. fecration,htit humane erronr. We ufe this moderation (^ii.)xh coU.it. cap ^.&ii. George Prince -^Anhalt ) That they who are called forth to Paro- * "^'' '[ ^ ^^'" ehiaU offices, if they promife that they for the time to come, niS cl^'rz T^>'mce ^n- ■ jretirh thejVord ftfrely^ and adwinifier the Sacraments, according ha't Jt/.66.

E 3 ta

toChniisi'nflitiiH^.'^ereceive them, Hotftinqiie tonteHtivo' See Gr^t. Vccrct. catroffe \^ ntuneVh HUmaruiati comm£idue,orldi?tatfortem (^wa-» pai t. ca. i. Qu.7 • n7> r impjitipneiii mn iteremw. So. v^rf. Sntal. Si Epifcopi /ho ca 8.18 J19; lo. offt-ii, reBefitn^rentWy xS* ttirim% tcclrfiA c^ Evangelii gete»

9. Art.Smal.f^r.j. Pareu'/is prayled by .your felt, as an interpreter one ot a ojt.io. tboufend, and oft cited by you in *his matter, as one' that cdn-

SLty. %At.p.iii. demneth the hearing of them that arc unlawftiliy fent. But • Par. inHeb.^.4.& according to Paretisx Betjliim>fullj fern^^ho iscaliedy according Tm'. in Km lo.I ^ t^ f^ o'^'otrr^ich ii inftitHtfd hy puhliefue amhmtie in every I ^. Ugitlrm tu. Chnrthyfor orderfake'i and to edification. D anattf fharply tat-tem vocatio ccdcfia eth the manner of calling Miriifters, which be conceived to be eji, (j/i^ m qudvi4 jj, yf^ \^ England, and is againe and againe allcdged by you in 'thltlfor'dtk' ^^^s queftion; but he doth admonilli withall, that We muft di-caii(a ad tedificaiio- ftinguifh bctweene a calling maimed, and none at all, Ex his nan injiuma. atttem omnibtis ( faith hee ) apparet^uam nulla. Jit/vel non Itgiti"

Dan. m i .Tim ?. ^^ eorum ver9i Dei MiniHrorumyVelealejia PaHorftm vocat'^o, P^- J ^ 3 • 5 ^+• 5^" quifolius rtgis, vel regin<Cy velpatrOniy vel epijcopi , vel jiirchie-paf. 2o d^ /i"^' pl^<^p^ authoritate, diplomat e, hn/lisyjujfu ^jtfdiciofit veleligi-pag.xi^, ' ' tfir. Idejuoddolendumefiyadhucfieri iniis eccfejiis, (juatamen For, iren.l I. cap. fiitum Dei verbtim habent c^ fea^uantur^ veluti in rMdia Angfia, ii prop.i^.tit.de ^am Anglos homines^ dlibz^iA[Afienrijfimos^acntiJfrmoSy c^ pien-Haretic. Ctm id ft/n^ffos, in ifiis.tamen papifiic£ iddhlatri£y& tyr4nnidis reliqttiis bmehricis iuretxts, ^g'fy^^^dts c^tolkndis.jctentesprudentepjue CACUttre mtrnm efi. quoad jui liciti e.rtf- ItaqfieprxclarefentiHnt,qHioj>tnem i/lam chartulariam (^ epi" citiiy& quoad alio:, fcffpMticatn curioHum c^pafiorUm Ecelefia Creanderum ra tionenty

.1 ' a'; eomm commit- j^g^ ex Tola eplfcopi confenfii. ^ diplomate mimftrorum verhi c*-7iioneabftmeait, & t a- \ . '^-' '■ , . J. ■■' t ,

cis non obcdi-irtt • fui J vocattonem, approbationem or tnmgttrationem damnant^ol'

mnefi accipimhon l^ndamqueex reformat a ad Dei verbum Ecclefia. cenfent: qmd

deomnibitihtermch ordo Dei verbo prafcripfus in ordinatione hnjufmodi perfonarum

qiinadvalormcxer- fitpratermijfuXyac violatuSy (icut perfficne apparet. Denique &

mum^^Zio. S'^^-^tmEcclefiafiico & popnlo Chrifiiano jus omne fuum .tque

nc: licet iuiuiia ft*^'^agiummi[ere fit hoc rutione 0-inhoc genere vocationum rr-

eoyumcevfur^.ctia clefiafiicarumadeMptunty^ in unum qttendam Spifcopunimag'

tf^fomeuuUxfiu. natyrannide at que abufu tranfiatum. Dominm Dens talibus

corrnptionibusy qua adhuc in Ecclefiis tpfius fuprrfunt , CT defen-

duntury mederi magna fua mtfericordia dignetur dr velit , qudt

tandemcertemagnamecclefia Dei ruindm fecu^ traJjent O'tp-

J urn facrofanElum verbi minifierturH rcddent efficient que vel

mercenariumy velomnino contemptibile & abjeClum. ^od'Dc'

minus avertat.

Vn^

Vmt medo ^naflh fuferefi, in hoc ay^ununto, Nimirum /[Hid

dcearnm adnrniflratioHefitfpntietfdjmt^ cjui nonfunt legitime 'lui^

cati, atque utrtim iis fana confcientia adh<ireYe debeamt^s ? Jn

ijHacertedsJiifjgmndHmcfij Autenim efi omnim Ulegitirmvo-^

catio ejus, qui ecclefiam Allquam adminifirat, vet non efi omnino

illegitimAyfedtantum ex forte. IUegitima omnino efi ea, in qua

omnia Dei ferbopr^/cyifta,funtpratermijfa vel violatt:, utji

qniifeiffHmintruferitfrivataay.iiontate. Npn omnl^Oyfed tan-

tum ex parte illegitima, cfi ea, inqHatantHm qtiadam ex illis non

chfervatafueruntyfedpraterwiffa. Eraocuius omnino ilUqitima ^ ^ ,. ^„

vocatioeir,t4Certeproprivatohaben.ihsejt^.ac mjufmodt. voCOr /in, stubs

tio pro nnlLi. Itaque neqne[acr>:.r»entA conferrepotefi, neque reli- T his is the ftonc

qtM neqotid eccleftagerere, (^ qttxgejftt pro nullis habentur^ nifi that you often, oi-

fortajje ejfet ex:raordinaria ejus wcatiojdeft, quxfignix tefiimo" "tncr ilwayes

niifque certU a Deo confirmata ejfet. Solaenim propagati Evan- if th'-r/bc'^an ^"

ge/ii (^fru6ifts qui ind£ multus emergit, confideratio non confir' thin^ wantmcr in

mat hujufmDdi omnino tlUgitimam vocatipnem , Htiqtte neque fd.- the Church, which

ti^s enatHs ilkgitimam copulam, qu<^ intercejfit inter adtilteros, '^^ ^^'^^ ^^^ re-

Vit'mm dtttem illudtolli potefi/fipofiea ordine & leaitlme voCetur S""^! * ^]t^^ /?

. . ■„ • ■ ^' fiji- -n. ' r I * ^ • itcad you ftiould

ts/frnprimnm ilUgittmc tn CMinifierio verjabAtur. J^ui amem thereof conclude

ex parte tAntumillegitime efi eleBiis cjr vocaitu ^ velftti fi per thn the Chatch it Simomamquis mutms adeptHSeli, c^ non legitimepopu/i velSe- vvith us impcrfcdi natids ecclejiaftieicmfenfuy confenju tamengnadnm obtinet, von efi yo^fonclude it ii habendaproomninonnlUhujttfmodivQCAtiOy fed vitium illnd efi \\[^cit%% in^tiic* corrigendum. ItaqneifiiSacramenta conferre pojfunt, quia ut' conftitutionof a cunque non omnino veram c^ latis legitimam vocatione habeant^ mans body, fomc habent tamen aliquam. Sic Scribal. & Tharifei in cathedra Mo- P^"^'* ^^^ required (^edebant. Sic Caiaphas in Pontificatu fummo erat, quern pretio J^^^^ ^ a?"fe H * d reOemerat. Itaque exemplo q^ Apofiolerum & C^rifii ipfius , qui heart'sccand feme eos monuit cjr reprehendit^ non autemfecejfionem a corpore Eccle- to comehncflcjas fafecit^ab iis nos fegregare in a/ium cxtum non debemus, nee a to- funds, &:c. So it

to Ecckf}<i corpore ( 7d enim e(fet Donatiflarum hare (in revo^ "/" ^ '^v °^* i

\ri -c 1 r . • /• ci 1 Church :fomc

care )Jedpace7n Eccleju6, quantum w nobis estjColerenos oportetJ ,t,inos 3^^ j-eaui-

etfi iU*id vitium qmd in eorum ptrfonU c^ eleElione inh^rety red totUcbcin^ of damMre oportet, G?" qiMntnm pojfumus turnemendare/umtti.im a Church,and othtr tmendatumvelle. ,, . ',j .. ! ,.• \\ things to the beau-

Hacrationeft.utetiamafacrif^ulis ?aptnietscalUttm 'Bap^ JJJ ■" iHt he no'J tifmns non fit in Ecclefi^ Deirepetendus^ & pro nuUo hakendtts. ofjhe beinoofa

•' >>>.,, " . Church, alwaycs

to have a Minifteiie, much kfil \i it of thcbcinjofthc CKoith, a!\v.iycj to have the free cb^icc tbereof.

Et

£tfi enimin'EcclefiADeillUgiumam vocationem PdpifOci Sa-crificulihahm,tamcn ex Conjertfft fo^nli habent aliejuam, Efi Avj^uft. contf. Par- ^^^^^ ^^^^ ( ^^ ^^ Aiiguft. ) alietmd frorfus non habere , aliMci mniATi. l.c.ii. auteaU<^Hidpermcioje habere-^aittidaHteaUqHidfaluhriterhabere. ^uodtert'tHm jolnm nobis eligendfim efi. Sed famen, uti C^la-gifiratus vitio ereAtrtsjJMagp^ratHS tamen efi propter populi cori' Lib.^.del'B'r Lx' fenfumjC^uernadmodHindocet Varro ; it a ifi'tSacrifici,etfi vitlo tin. creatifunt Epifcopi dr Presbyteri, »t tret^iTrl cko'koh potl$ts qnam

i''Ti(rK.'roi,fi»t werlto appeliafidi, tamen quadantenus Presbyteri furtt & Epifcopi, prafertim apud eum populum qni in eo confenfit . Thus farre Dan£us, whofeteftimonie I have rehearlbd at large, that every man may fee with what fidelitic you quote Authors, 1 sAimomt.p i. 33 making for you. You cite out of the admonition, that the Can. A_ecef. of ]sJon-conformifts complaine, That they have not (caree the face ep f.4. §. r./). ofaChnrch, But this accufation, long fince hath beerl anl'wc-redythzt i» faying the face of the Chttrch doth not fo mttch ap-peare(^orib the whole procefle of their book doth declare, that they meane when they fay,That we are fcarce come to the r. C. rep] ip \7< outward face of the fame:) they grant that ^ee have the true Albeit i have ' Church of ^od: bfit that for tvant of thofe ordinances which it fliewedhowui- Jhould have, and through cert aine the deformed rags of T*operiet true it 1$, that the -^fjlch itfhouldnot have, the Church doth not appeare in her native mtTh"th°t"hfrc' colours,aHdfobedUtifuU,asitumeetJheJhouldbe prepared to f» 1 s no' C hurch in f^Ioriotu an Husband, as the Son of God. HnglanJ,yetic.m- ^ Mafter C<«rf»>r/^k fevercly reprehendeth the abufes of the not paflc by the fe- Ignorant Minifters, which in refpe<5l of the place which they crct Phjlofophy, occupie,are Idols:becaufe they ftand for that,and make fhcw of fior wo^uld prove' that,which they are not:and thcrupon he Mcth^admityou them that the Authors of ^ rf^^^ osyou rvill,the Lord pronounceth^that theyjhallbe no Mi-the admonition nifiers to him,^hich have no ktiorvledge. This you cite many affi rme it times. But in two things, Mafter CarfWright cxplameth him-

r.C. repl. f.p.ii. ^^ip^ . ^T^^^xhat through ignorance of that which they doe , fame of ^ j'ywjj,,* , * them may be good men^'xc^i'icondXY, that his meaning was to f i6<). ^ note, how unworthy tiicy arc, as of the office, fo of tne name

tiof.1^6. of a MinifteroftheGofpcl; not to make void their Minifte->

Can. Necef. of rie.'fuch as it is, in the adminiftration of the Sacraments, which re ^f'etitplr I ^^^^ ^^^' ^ confijfe, M in the Popijh friefis Baptijme, for that p^ , ^ / ••;'•• ^ij^y ^^ the pub/ike oj^ers appointed thereto, although unduely ad-

miniflredy to be the holy Sacraments of (jod. Bright .'m A^as.^, Out of Mailer 'Brightman, you make a large difcourfe of the bafe and rhamefiiU bcggerlincflc of the Clcrgie; as that the

Curates '

CiKatosarcix)thi.'i.-*cry4cpii,iov1 in all mcti^^count,-a ^ip-

pany of Qc^gar]y/.Uo>v^;^aq(i,^|i9iv^vtbar^byi papnp ,^f;^hcir

more fnX i>aiiess \'si^^moee l4\^ji^4}^y rqa^up^nd.downe,'

bribe, im\-ikkx^ily^ i>i>ot^iitwI.y U^ff ^ge, ai^aatt^r.,- to coin- c an. Ne«{r. of

palTaEcqleiiafltic^H.[^roirKKisi^s^cj/f.,.^%youteU^i^q^, hoMi(-.^cp.p.i^, lo.iu

and ccrtfucs jKiiiT'-iiCi^rAtRi^^ ^vici^^i^n4i^Qd4:/M/;hicu OC7, 6au(cyou,Oii>!t^ l.wiiU m^q^}SWi9'zU%^'^h^^

Jtd^^i'^&A.dht^fK^im^.fU^^ fM'^J^i',.Wfio^^mprimHn^cH,

. onf/t4tfliK4p*idCk:*'ftf*r»M(^'*^^'i'0^ lUnd^efi 4iflf'Jfi^^Pf[hUUt

i4m.r.ifififH(^i(?t]il(iJlHnf^^uoelpcrcipimtSantii, qmtits Oii/ver^ bumprffMc^ttM*^ ^perir.ic^rdaper fioem opera Spir'tius fentiunt, TmiavKtm.hgreMPtr Q- fobtfiumfAnat^ impe''tu)uL>f(ipfumbt- p^-Lf,. f,r u vi^mffVfki^ J^Jf»ii£jmii ^^.^m^^\ ^'f'^'ko^^^Ztohxiim CroUe pi. z.cap. (iHpleti/:em'^**'P9f*4^*^^y^&MSj<{0fmr^¥m'^f^^ defepndere 9 § ipa^' n;. '

}M{ftty&.fibi pArHrc/{pud(e he^'ititim, .Lu|^'. ip. 5, &Q. Nee ^"^^ Second (Un-«^!riic.fo<^-A.< Cif^nAtyqmJicamkOtmbw ekm hoc\iltribHi^\ m fi- '^^^^^ cercmo-lu1Jafi4fft. Job,! ,i%,>^:^if Victimnpscxcim,.uthn, e^utneo D..,..uiJh, .vhoai €AnioiHt^<!lHqti^ii^f^g(^Uani^idytccedintfif ^adSagr(m:nt^m eic.-, the An^ibaptiftj tu. In qnaperfid/tm naiCarjtefungHlnequeftio.pafcit-,, li{HtiJfimi* revive, with either dcUciks^fupra omnc qHodveldici velcogitan potefi. !^o fenfu '^^ '^'^ ""^ ''*^^ *^'-

^HPrefiMMdUxantf^ap. ii.ig.THncxy^enieHt ^ah Ortettte ^ 7. °'^L.°'^ ^^' ^ J ■ r, ^ /n. ^ y-r ') • K . . "vies that wcc

Ocacientea;- Borea ^fxAHjtro, &djcumttent tnregf^o Z>«, t. e, make .loSep.irati-

hkifhtt^ex.&rmiilM^oxis^dEv^^nceUumc^^^ on, as ih-.ydici

<;rpie»uP.in(m<::^'L/^'mHm,(^fcttfnbentei.^ eiMwenfam tn ceU- V' '*T' ^'^^'^ ^^ / ' K" o " « r • J ' ..• ^ ■ ■ I ir both from

tr/tfuiaSA^ra cam. >.L9<fUktHrtiHm(i(ypC:itipt^ y-entiui^^ , ipt.- ^ .j^. ,jj„^rntnt

rHmfidff»Cr/'fce»Ji9pemmtot^mva-ifi:tef;nperj^^ :m f^rafpert—r.-id fio-n* their

. •» , <»■ . . p ^ • ■> ' * V ■ Chinch is purc^

without rpot,'ah<2 Without wrinkle jri this ij^, and 'W^c'rcas'Ctjrjftian Churhcs tokrated fo-

. inous tuei), 3dv:3ti<:.-<f alio one (^^er'i/ an, .itcii/eti of+ef jyVcv'thcy held it iht ir duty f') fcpTatc from ihe-n, asbenig no true Chtirchrs.- i -tee here a perfeft na'.gc of the Biownifts; inJ-oi »hc An-ibaptii's, but not lo much as ahy li i amcat o-f Aay Eng'ifli Protcftant Preacher , tHi: 4* defirous 9f refjM-mation]..

^Mai^tesfiBi^i^ttHml^f-y^ter frifl'mam familiamAtfm eJimU^ yi^Hlkiiiinf^fts cvfy.fpftff(,ffepr/*. V. 2i6. ^. d. Nofftpi, *I>omi* ffe^eommftnieufifrktifatttkhUayeeowoh^iftm tecttmaguavitmu^' c'den^ e:€ tri^pia^ifiim': a»forernunc Cofttm nas obfutabM /• Hmi ■■ enimrAtitiiteJf4d£iiidemfratclhm fserificitrMtn^ efttod fuaU ^

itihtteShrft^'fiitthus k'tjiuviU ciyeumferibiretu^t^fedifHiiLCAiat qka ^&a^twii^l^fs, ejfpi^us atehtfi cohvivii m t<ilu, HdC ig^tttr'aorensd«ffex 4d^cs:^ ir^em ^onum in <i»^HgticaM jEtf* clejia. rejidere, ^rtcdicAtioftem mmirum verhiy Gr iegitimatn So* (^affieiit&jim adfhpmfiratiortem. Jnquihttiitrif^ fe (^hnfint

ffr'a^Ml}>n^amlfh^xceptas, e^ndecttfta fm €drpcri4f»s vi-

ii^m excipieni. O nos igitHrfordiS^ffimos, isjmtiej a vtrho <m*

vTi^f^dorefngintus,(^rifiumenim comi'VAm reiff4imHs. O mi^

imf^idi contetnpores^ ijfifotTes r^ctpiefnU'Stteraffteftto rnrnff atriSmx

ncrsfuyit^ihtfts '^ChfrfiuiHh^vi}cdnterf^ad Canam^cmimus*

Sedjjdt^difChiMr^.hjikgulifre foiatm : Btemm tjtti

fjfintyepj^dtirent (^'4^ ptgiendo tjuamprhmm ak has EcclefiAC^gt"

t^tnt\ cumdudhcntexofi^.m e^e (^iftt (SdndaUrtc- minlfir*"

r^m, duos brevt- mtfrefipifcenus ev»mitHffis ft* 0xc-^e,mfi vtvbu

ipjitu\ Chrtflit^iidresferentde-fpta, cnm to ffintmikAsioHe fLoffs

ighptrtiiii,miHj^tfie»}fgfsey ijmforer octtuji^ t$wtr4 ^fffttdejt^

HonJiatimtep'oripisfurore jtrcitus, nofijffeproTnentiiomHira*

t'tone [aIu^U orbas, fed luculentum adhuc tui C9plAm relmjim

oTfirii^m,, qui tiPiper i'ef^um fnlfanti aperittitt, e^ fnavijftmam

tkam mviraHoftemper Sactamertta mnifWnmt .' f^tur fbeUfius

^ yb^hep$us efieorum error ,^m fjc )ih hacecclefa defciuHty

Parker dtpolh Eccl. ~^uaf ChriffUi himprorftts exukret'^ fhd nlUfpes^falHtis maw*r^

lib.i.ca.i^. ^f/'t^ytt^eftpW- 'Ot'ttimkic Chri^um ewviiMm^m cum fifk.

p^ltiumcmn AniliA ^^^*f»^btt eostutc 0pumbere, ubt vident ChnjtutH.mn^Hder«i

-verba viu £tcin£ -^fiiHit f^n&loTes & mundioreferHnil Sed^ar^ftnoncomiim-

habtaL loh. 6. Cmtfuo itfoTUm nfU f ^'ofi pofuufiW^ciari,^i»prit*f in Chvit-

^^'■ 'd^-^R^"^^ 7d -1^^^ (^fd^d^fmty^^hfieeruvt aiivbia di^rtinm : sffulehrefi^

"i^/Ldimttilpfiui ^^Ofnrt^ftexpr'Aikationefnnoftr4Ecclefi/t? Num^mdergo

donolitu-ncfeparat'w dHnyaXialuua. Jb'id* AqHivHStaJepavale? i Tim. ^■■l-\. Ac loqHiiw Tah-UiidcfundoiiCnlalJcoirupuomdunm.eilliHsquacJiftcm.pictaicv. Seo.ir4-oit Tijfcipulos "Pofdnf? y\ft. r 9.9.z 8. /^/ bte-fcparatioa ludttk oaf ipfnEva^igclu fundaininu blafphmgnUbfU. 't^ftiemo feparAtw/;emil!Amqiia pY'Jtc pittn: i Cor. 5.1 i. ViA, 17. 4 zPet.z 8. iTim.^.^, jftuullam his Scrip'hr<e hck wfi/'f-iraih prrjaUpracipitHrifjua foiijiliaf^^^ hnninum

nonnccffjna.T^tUumigitHrftpwraimii ve[lr.t in Scyij>iM>-is^ aui ixcmplu/apioraffshomimft, aui friceptttmpiopbtdtrum & ApoUyleturaixtat/s-i,

Q1)

frtMcdfequisfotefittiftmittatur? Rom.xo.ijjf^r. ^iderg^ ver b urn frcfterUbemaHqHAm externa vocatienu tarn pen erfe '/eff>uunt, CHJHS vimdivinam in cor^bus fentium ? Ethmjl fruSlus ipfe ncn magi4 cnlpa liberat depYAvationts nofirai , qujm vera prsles adultermm. Nee igitur nobis in iu actjuiefcendum eji, nee iii a nobis propter ^alicftMS naves dejiciendftm. ^u^m^ •brem redite ad unitatem EceUJitc, <jua vesgennit (27- alnit. Si fngiatit hunc (^hrifium, qni rnm eieUid in nijirii catibm canity AC eos vicifsim excipit, profeSlt nufc^uam inventetis, Interim €ogUemHs etiam ru>s, quxntum nobis tpfis malum aceerfmrns, (jm mor(UcMjretinendofuperJ}itionesnofiras,fratres in tantttm pert-eM/ftmvcniiei?nfis. (/ertejicjutdmontenti habet, tjucd oii».' con-jirmdvit ipf/t Veritas , prajiaret hujufmodi hominibns fufpenfA mola ajtnaria in collis^ntergi in profunda mArts. Watth. 18. 6. Vtri/qke fanitatem mentis precor.

Here wcc fee the Non-conformifts agreeable to the Scripture, found realbn,the confent of all Antiquitic,ancl their own Principles doe plainely diftinguifh betwixt a maimc or defcd in the calling of a Minifter, and no calling at all: that it is great ignoranc>. or(tofpeak moft favourably') inconfideratcneflc *

to charge th'-jn, as if they went againft their own Principles,in holding Communion with the Churches of England in the ordinances of Gods worlliip.

And if haft e bad not blinded, this you might have obfervcd f^obirfun aoainft out of the Separatifts thcmfelveS. There is (faith onefpeaking Bern, rcafons di^ of Baptifmc^ in this point a further cofifideration to be had, unto TculT.p. i8 ^ 'vhich both the Scriptures, and our o^'ne experience doe lead us: namelji, that as the Ltrd hath his people in Babylon, his I meane., both in refpeSl ofeleflion, and of perfonall fanHif cation: fo hath he for their fahes thert pre fen ed ( not^ithfi.mding all the j4pO' fiafie andconfufion which is found in it) fundry his holy truths andon&n^nces,amongfiwhich 'Br.ptifmeis one. But if his ordinances be prefervcd, or any one of them true for fubftance, of ncceffity Ibmc truth of Minifterie, whereby thofc ©rdinances be adminiftred, muft bee prelerved alfo.

It is an injurie to the people ( as the Non-conformifts hold) v\ hiiTk'depsnt.

Kom. anir.^uiu.i. c^ff. T. Si vclimtff Chrifltim ipfinn rr/picere , fuit fetpper ecckfite legmen mon:ochtcum , fi eccUfix Prahytcoi, qiii hi ddhim & dijcifiiufuoipaiies .igchant , ^r flocrJicum: fitoium cd;piu (cc!e~ fia, quaiMus inelecl.'ooi eptfcoporum &^reibytererumftijfr:sgii finbMyiuitamcn kt ivTet^i'x feftt-fcr Trxibyxrii ftrvarciMf Derwcraticwn.D.w. m i Tim, 5. pag. 352.

(?<5)

that a Minifter fhould be thruft upon them agaitift their mUst or whoiti-tbcy nevcrTaw,riOr heard of. But it the people be few,Tin:iplc,apttobedeceived, unable to judge oCtbe fitneiTc^ of a Minifter, they ft and in need of dircdion, not oncly from their ownt Elders,but from other Churches. The pradlicc of the Apoltles willconfirme this: for fometimcs men were propounded un^o tlie Church to be chofen, and fometimes tkc choice was wholly left unto them. And was not this for our dircdion, that more libertie may be given, where the danger is lefle,and more caution and refeaint uic i, where the danger is jipparant, that if they be left unto themfelves, either an ill, or an unfit choice fhallbc made ? In reafon it is evidcnt,for thechilds confent is required in marriage, and the more able he is to chufc for himfelfe, the more liberty may Parents grant him in his choice, but it he be not able, or Icfle able, the more watchful! muft they be over him; and fo in this matter. The Presbyters are to goe before the people in the cxami-mb. 18.7-" nation, approbation and dcfignemcnt ot a man fit for the Mini-

Tni.ifiapoU.i^. |^gj.jg : for they are guideSjto whom the chiefe care and diredi-on of things E'.clefiafticall doth belong. As for the people, it is not their office, and for the moft part, they are unable to judge of thofe things. To the people therefore it pertaineth onely to give their confent to him that is chofcn, or to fhew their reafons why they cannot approve of him, who is pro-- pounded, but no teftimonie of Scripture,no example, no reafon KocUn.carsch.yal' teacheth, that the whole bufinefl'e lliould be committed to the lauJ. de iegif, i ocat. ^^^^czs and requefts of the whole and fole multitude. A/;«/^. Th I o ^^ confci it of the people is not required to the common ele-Vuoi d.imiii pnefta- ^. it j ji • 7 rr >.* u r

tef/i y,opomncUft dion, whereby a goo J, godly,iearnca, ht Man was cholcn to.

ejiia: habet; e nfa- the Mmifterie, but to the fmgular eledion of a Minifter,whcre-tio^iis ca:fCa:. j^y he is chofen to be fet over this or that congregation. Or if

that expreiHon be lyable to fome exception, The confent of

lun. aniKvadv in ^^^ people is not required in this,Whcther luch a man be fit for faz.nst I &ia. theMinifterie and meet to be (et apart for the worke of the

BtU COrVi.'^.l.

■j'jM. 7' ' Lord : but whether he be fit or meet to be 'their Minifter, by

ib.cLmt- ^^■~c. whom they may be edified, and builded up in Faith and holi-nefle. Of the former, they have no calling or right to judge: but in the latter they have great intercft.

Brotherly locietie requiretb, that we mutually admoni/h, exhort, reprove and comfort each other,is occalion is ofF;;red, and when ne^d requiret:h,it is the duty of neiglibour-Churches

to

Cv)

tolendhelpe to their brctliren, in the choice and clcdtioi, of

their Minillcr. For if Churches have not fit men amongft in^. Ecck/J.i/a.i,

them for the Miniftcrie, nor able men to make choice for tlicm-

lelvcs, they are to be holpen m love,without prejudice to their

libertie, and not to be dilcarded and cafl: off as unworthy the

namcof a Church r. When the Scripture willetb,that one fhould

adinonilTi another,it is not only a comandcmcnt to every fingu-

lar man towards his fellow, but alio to one whol company to- ^cb y i> ro

wards another Ibciety. St/*^«/,whenheteacheththatallthe i^. ^' '^'*''"'

faithful are mebers of one rnyfticall body of Chrift, who ought Aw. nit Ca>nv.

to have a mutual care one oFanother, laid the foundation of this '^P' ^-par.i.p. 131.

po' icie. Cellar. askcth, Quo jure unus fo^ulus efifcofum al'^erifts

fopuUeligerej^oteli ? Junius anlwereth; Certe charitati^ prre Ucllar.i/etV.r,;.!.

0- comntHniom fanElorum : nantpopulus infidelii ipfe non potefi ^- ''•

eligere^utpotenQndurnvocatuSyfedpofieavocandHs ^d (^"hrrflum. ^^\^ ^&cccu\

Andalittlcafter>to-5tf'//rfrw/w, obje<?ling the dangers which ^.i' ^'

may follow in popular elcdions, hee aniwereth. The danger U Not h-

not Jo great ^ubi conjunHusefi (^/cruSy o- aftionem dirioit Preshy-

terium, pufertim conjilio cr au^oritate vicinorum Epifcopo-

rumc^ EccUftarumaccede-fJte. And after that, Et hni vicini

quoque accedant ex or dine, c^ fratres ait't ex commum oj^- 7\j»/. 27.

ciocharitatisjfequandoopuj '(},proHt ay^mbrofmm fccijfe L^'e-

dioUnenfi Eccle^u narrat Thcodor. hifi. lib.^. c^ip.J-

In the Primitive times, one Church might eled and chufca Pallor for another, and the Governours of one Church were chofcn by the confent and fuifrage of others. Ignutius writeth thus to the Tl.iladelphiansjt behovethyoH^n tke Church of God, tochufe ^Bipjop. Otwhat Church would lanat'ur have the PhihidelphiAns to chufe a Bil"hop ? Not of their ovvne, -r^^ pi, .. for in the beginning cf his Epiftle, he greatly commcndeth the cii,,i; ^y^^ -uidcH Billiop which they had already. But he exhortcrii them to e- by rhc comirJoa \c^ a Partor of the Church at Antioch,as the words before go-' conieir, and mu-

tii.iii, a^'Cf mcntof both p.nts, ."s wi II Eafl :s Wi fl. as .i;pf 3:es ia the c.ifi of .■iikntsjhs. v 4:hay. apo! amir. ^-/. rxiv. Hiccqi:idcK'ic/£^^\1)lliar^ofnr^Ci & ad ip'fcnpup} Rv/fxvnm lidam fcfiPf^e. '^iho'tjf. apo.'. i. Sozom I.i.e.J, io,i I. .l^nv,ad 1^1 ibdclfh. •150475:'€57? i7<^^"w> esJiMiJ.'rf ^^ yH^97zh\<nu cTTiTycoTr^r. Thcod.'. JW.4.B!|il. £7?.48.rtrf Aihair C>>-i, o-.cukm jhl vui tr- 6^. UuL d-Calli* o-70.GjU.st juLip.fi. c/^ 7 4. flcc^dcnl.ipjc. Ste zidJ.ii )g!iac nd Phi'jihfi-h. Or to ft I'.d ferric fnfHcic It legate co hc.^lc the breach rhac w.is maccjatui atieuch theHanic th.it wis ifii.dled iiihis Chur.cha: A'Avoch. Btf.lnr^c'.Gozeift c.\ 7.t.i. 7t>. Cvmr.i.;. Epifi. I 5. ('■;. prianmcm: tliis of fiKh mutuall aid ai\U concord,ns mi\;h: frolic the. Chuuh , and well'-n-fcecn the fcrv.in;s :.f ChA-iIl, hui .Mlows not that men Ojou't! run to Rome tor helj'^c, rai : the juJijement and a6s of lU-ii Paii'jii, C}pr. },.i .'f'pijQ. 5 v"^ -1.

C5S)

ing doc make it evident. tAU'Biflio^i (^ faith Cjfrian) funt mutfitc cimcortU^glutine copuUta, that if any, one hold hacrcfie, ^ the rclt fl^ould hclpe; and therefore he moved Stefh.znMs the Pope to write to die Bifhops in France , that they fliould de-pofe the Bifhopofv4r/w, and t© the people, that they fhould chufe another in his roome. Theedora tpftiiieth , In the or-Tixcodl.^.c.ii. dilation ofaBlJhof^ All the 'Bijhofs of a Proviuee §uffht to he Scl\\iriicckr.li.c.\ ^^llfdtopther \ C(»rw/j«/, Bifhop of Rome, was confirmed of Amb cpi/?.8i.i« the Bi(hopsof Africk. (jr^-^tfri*/Presbyter, in the life o£N^ vshit socrajcsvt- «*A«,?iw^, affirmeth of tihe Biihops of Macedonia and Egypt, poncch of the elc- ffj^f ffjgy controdiEledthe eUBion of Nu^Unzjene , keeaufe he Veat

bocr" Zff'fc^'i '^^ ^'^'? ^/'"'^ ^^^ ^'^'^ •' ■^'^'f'^ writeth, Thai his cle-Theod b}u.^.c6 ^ion was confirmed of all the Bijhops of the EaFi attdfVefi : ami See Thcod. h!jl/.'i. Theodoret, That Vdentinian the Evfferor confirmed it alfo. c.%. Sozom. 1.7 c. EMion therefore wasnot ever made by the particular con-s. Socr/,6.f. 2. liin. grcgation, where the Pafto^ or Teacher was to adminifter, but %i'flmum talis Other Churches,and fpeciaily the Guides,by common confent poliiU in Ecckfuji- were called to alTiit the Church in that weighty bufincffe. And cm mmbronim m this the Non-conformifts judge not only la wfiill,but meet, ex-uno curpcje, uhi om- pcdient, neccflary in feme cafes. And therefore in many par-nia unt compatiun- ^jculars, they except aeainft the propofition, as none ot theirs, mcdmur. Illirici ^nd againlt your conhdcnt aflertion^that you were lure the pro-catal. uftjib. i. pofitions were both theirs, when as it is neither found in them, p.io9' nor in any writer, ancient or modcmc, nor injthe holy Scri-

ptures. Rhenusii anm. in And when you perafe the teftimonies alledged, be jndgc loh. I o. §. I. your felfe, whether you did not groflely miftake, or abuic your Reader, when you cite the Rhemiib,as if they pleaded for the Parochial eleflion ot a Paftour, as onely lawfuU.

As for the Affumption, It is truc,thc Minifters of the Church ofEngland are not ordained by the particular Congregations, where they adminifter^ nor is it neceflaric to a true and entire callmg , that it (hould be fo. That they be not approved pf the particular fociety, is falfc in many of them: for they are chc-ien by their conient, to be their Minifters, though not abfolute-ly to the Minifterie it lelfe. And in cafe they be not fo called,it Parker </fMiV.£f- is a maimc and defed, \yliich fhould be reformed, whether it fil.x.c i^. Dedu'

cere ijuidcm conavtHY till ex major-bui n'pU mmorcs quafdatHi fed & abfuidai & huO/;fi.quiiitis. '?(c-queenim rraCiCffaru dfcipina. /&, c> <a i^erlo Del li<uU{aid£iriO,Jifx/^j!oJiitjbicorrun/patm:f^ciuidd liAum cU^iii'.Un confsxiotik "^i hocfuriju:ufeciii::w:

be

(19)

be throngh the ignorance of the people, or the LavVcs of the Kingdomc, or die pride and covetoiihcfl'c of them that thruft tbemlclves into that calling, orneglcd of Patrons, or j^hit cUc focvcr'. But this maimc doth not make a nuUitie of their calling, nor the Word and Sacraments difpaifcd by them to be inc^ftuall. For in every Church where the dodrinc of fal-\ation is loundly andintircly preached and proteflfed, the calling of the Minifterie is for fubftance true and law&U. The Nonconformifts therefore in reproving the abufcs of the Mini-flerie, and yet holding communion with the Church of Eng- Sec Calvin.;«/?#;. land in the ordinances ot worlliip, doe walke according to '4 f.«.§.i»,> h their own Principles, the doftrine and pra^icc of the Chur- ^^'^ ^' ^* ches of God in all ages , and diredion of the holy Scri-tures.

The Non-conformifts reprove the tumults of the people in eledion, without the dire^ion of the Presbyters, both their '^^J^l^'^f ^^; owne and Neighbouring Churches ; fo did the Ancients. The c.xp.\ o.uav^-OrdinatbnofBiiliops by thcmfclves alone, or their Ch^^rmg'aejipopuiimul-laines,andthatofmanyata clap : fo did the Ancients. '\hc '■'ttud's.iitvltAyemr thruftingofMinillersupon the people without their know-"'^'^ °?C'^'j^°^''*'_ ledge or confent : fo did the Ancients. The ordination ^^,l."^^^':]!!2a.' of Minifters without cure or charge: fo did the Ancients.Thc i^:^ 2. ignorance,idlcnelfe,pride,kmurie,pompe,covetou(helle,con-Bilfan.perpct Gtv. tcntion and fchifrae of fuch as thruft thcmfclves rafhly, ambiti- i^piftxo the Read, oufly, profanely into offices, by &vour,monie, flatterie, or o- BJ^g^f^vvcrerlKh ther corruption? fo did the Ancients. They reprove the/e, and ^l^^l\^(x. or fcnt fuch like abufcs, and humbly feek and fue for reformation, but by the Apoftlcs tolerate what they cannot amend,and hold communion with to be Paftors of the Churches of God inthcOrdinaixesof adigiqi; andfo did the Chuich,and

^1 A • ^ ff 1 Governors of the

theAnCK^JtS. ,., . ^ , . • . ,^ P.esb.tcnes i.c-

And It the Ancients didnatber lay-the grounds of Separa-verycuy thuhe-uon, nor walke contrary to tlicir owne Principles > in holding Icevcd, fo long a« communion^it is great ignorance,.at lcaft> to- charge the Non- 'hey ruled well: conbtmiib, as if they walked notaccordine to tlieirowne'"'"'^,'"/!^" n-^^'

,,, j-'^r ^ ^ as thru (ucccCors,

rules, wlicn they doe not fepaiate, _ . . to reccire charge ^

•A.\ i . ' ' ^ . ' -^ _ ' i^;i?,^'~v oford-iining o-

iherJfor inc worke df the Mmiftcric, and giiiJin^ tkc, Keycs vtith tfi? advice and canleat of fuch.aj laboured vviihtJv:ra in the \Sord and D^/^flrinc. /<//c^. 4. Without proofe , \\\z •CfiBrch'mul} not bclecvc, nor rtgard'thy.fprech •• mdproofe thmrhail none. One aad tiie fameptrfon cannot4i€ both Accitiaiit and Ifcponent ; ami iq the mcatd of one wiiocfte, though his ttihmony ncrc receded , ytt may no man ^ coadcuuicd. Sec £e^i annot, *^iw-PT. mHatih.ii.j.

Nay,

C40

Nay, if the Npn-conformifts fliould not difallbw botli your

jx)fitions and pradice of Separation, tFicy (hould not walke a-

grceablc to their owne Principles, or the truth of Scripturej

For you hold, the power of the keyes originAliter ^ and execu.

rtV^, is given to the community of the faithfull, many or few,

yea though but two or three joyned together In a Church way:

This the Nonconformifts approve not: You hold it is necef-

fary and cflcntiall to the calling of a Minifter, that he be appto-

ved, Chofen and ordained only by that congregation, where he

is to adnainifter. This the Nonconformifts altogether diflike.

YouholdallMiniftersthat'be not chofen ^nd ordained after

ypur'forme propounded, to bd unla^vfoU, IdoJ,Antichriftian Mk

ilifters. This the Nonconformifts'judge.to be AnticWftian.

The confequence of your Pofitions is this , That fince the

Church of the New Tcftament was^ eftablilhed upon the

earth, there was fcarce a true lawfull Miniftcric to be found,

whercv^th the faithftjU ■ might IttwfoJly' hbld communion in*

the worihip of C >d:This the Non^-conformifts doc deteft and*

abhor re. ^^ OF other yoiii pofitions in. the Sediions ibUOw-

ms.

'"ifo'jin

Can. Stay'againft Stray^.Se<3;.^,i.

A\ . f

Conhd CtWi.

j4r:-rfo.m I (*«r. lo. §. 21. /M 1 Reg. cnp 5-. v.iy.

'HAtfoever CjodhM beUo^ed upon his ^furch , as herfrivilea^e,thefameistol;e fofind in his iVord: But it « mt mentioned there , that Beleivers '( as their priviledge ) VKght to heare ^yfntichriHuin Teachers.

TketropoJitionifUHqutsiiondyij certaine bj thefe Scriptfifef, Pfal. ip. 7. -2 Tifii.'^. i$}t6/4ki.S. io. loh. if^jj/'k^:. 20.27. BejidtSytkiiiithe unammoHS confent of learned ipriter/. The Scriptures ( faith ey^thatiaJiHs ) doe helpe us rrith the kftoiv-ledffC of every trftthy^-c. ... ,' -' .^ t '''-."!

The fir Fi part yvhich u only controverfouts evident and cleere, by thefe Scriptures. Lcvit.17.3. 4-. Deut. 12.. 5. Prov. 58. Hof4 15. Matth. 7.15. ^ Cor. 7. 15,16,17. Rev. 18. 4. Song. I. <5,7. To this alljorts of Writers f.jfentyZznch. on Phil.

C40

g. 2. Th k/^Hthors of the ^Admonition. p4^. 27, c^<r. Tm ihe FafiSls themfdivesy RhemiHs andDeway Trattflatorf.

Answer.

THcfinewcscfFthis Argument arc cut already in the firft Scdion, if ever it had any, and therefore a few words may now fuffice. In this reafon you take for granted, that which is moft talfe, little Icfle than blalphemic ; to wit, that all Minifters in the Church of England be Anti-chriftian. For they are in reaped of the fubftance of their office, the Minifters of Jefus Chrift, fet apart to preach the Go-fpel, difpcnfe the Sacraments, and adminifter the Difcipline of ine Lord Chrift: and many of them the approved fervants of Chrift, furniftyed with gifts fi-om above, lent forth by autho-ritie to preach the Gofpel of God, and difpcnfe his Sacraments, which they faithfiilly exccute,according to commidion received from their Lord and Mafter, the King of the Church, who worketh by them, and blefleth their labours, if ever ordinary Minifters had caufe to fpcakeof^ and re Joyce in the blclTing of God, to the praife of his name.

But to let that pafTe, Antichriftian Teachers (if I muft fpcak in your owne language ) be <rf divers forts:

1. Such as be not called in every point according to your platfonne, or at leaft whofe calling is in any refbcd: maymed or defcdiv e, though they be godly, learned, painfull, every way fit/et apart by authority, and approved by the Church. If Antichriftian Teachers be taken in this fenfe, true Bclecvers living in fbcieties with them are bound to heare the Word, and partake in the Sacraments, becaufe they be the ordinances of the Lord Jefus, who is prefcnt, knocking at the doore of the heart, and will come in and fiip with them that open unto him. Look ^ what reafons foevcr can be alledged to prove that Chriftians te^ch^L^aiJI^ ought to joyne together in holy communion, the fame wiU>ioArinewhkh Ibongly convince, that ordinarily,or occafionally we muft hold the Apollles did, focietie with fuch Minifters in the ordinances of piety and god- ^^^ Ir^ve the fame Uneffe. And if this Minifterie be Antichriftian, divers , if not ['."y'^Vo'Pre "ctr moft worthy Martyrs of Jefus Chrift, that have withftood An- y^i-,,^.}^ ^ jj^^ '^^^^ * tichrift unto blood, have ftood under lome ordinanccs,in their Bi'.f.chnp. /ubj.fan firft originall, Antichriftian, or of men in fome relpcdls, which «. p'i^ y,.'

G did

(40

did not overthrow,thougli it might be fome blcmidi unto their Minifterie.

2. Such as be not rightly called by men, becaufe not rightly furnill-icd with gifts, or faithfiiUy executing their place, or teaching erioneoiis do<5lrines and traditions ot'men, but yet fet apart to anotiice which is of God, and in communion of men profelTing the true Faith, are called Antichriftian Minifters. And ifit be taken in this ferife, the faithfuU are bound in con-{cience to hcarc fuch ^ if they live in their focieties : becaufe they be the Minifters ofChrill in a fort, though they be not approved of him, and dec his worke for the good of them that be hoires of i^ilvation. But in fo doing, they doe not communi-dite wirh the Minifters of Antichrills apbrtafie, but with the Lord Chrift in his holy ordinance, by fuch meanes as he hath ap-HicronJ.'.co/a pointed. H^V/'^zw^ noteth, that there are foure forts, who arc k Eph. ad Gdat. ^„,pioy ^^j jj^ the biilinefles and affaires of Almighty God. The ^'^^' ^' firft, (iich as are fcnt neither of men, nor by men, but by Jciiis

Chrift. The lecond, fuch as are fcnt of C.od,but by man. The thii d are fuch as are lent: of man and not of God, who are they tbatsro orAuned by favour of Men, not rightly judging of the quality of them who are to ferve in this calling. Who yet are not {imply denyed to be fent of God,as if they had not commif-fio'ii from him, but therefore only, becaufe if the choofers and ordainers had done their duties, they Ihould have made a better choice For being lent by men that have authoritie, though a-bufing the lame, wee cannot fay they have no true or lawfull Miniftery; for then were all miniftration of the Sacraments, and other (acred things void, performed by fcandalous, ungodly Minifters,and luch as by finifter meanes get into thefe holy places- The fourth are of fuch as are neither fent of God, nor of men, nor by men, but runne of themlelvcs, and have no calling at all: who are neither Minifters of Chrift for thcm-> fclv'esj nor others. Thus farre Hierowe.

3 Such are Antichriftian Minifters, as teach f^ifc docftrine,be fet apait to an office meerely of men, contrary to the Word of God,.and live in communion and focietie with men profelling reall idolatrie,as members of that focietie,though fomcv.'hat of God be loyned in this their profelTion, Whereunto may be Inferred fuch as being tried, are found to be falfe Prophets, ccn-fured and caft out of the Church by them that have authority. blF which ibrt arc thofe Hercticks s, whicli are condemned oif

their

their own confcicncc,and after once or twice admonition, arc to be {hunned.

4 SuchareAntichriftian,asbcmecrelyfrommcn, difpenfc onely the things ofAntichrift, and have nothing of God at all. IfbyAntichriftian Teachers be meant ftlfc Prophets, in this rhom. Bectm, hit third and fourth acceptation, I grant the faithful! mufl hold no humble fuppUcK. communion with them, becaufe God hath forbidden it, and "-toGodjc^f. thefe are falfe Prophets, who have no calling, teach their owne '^'•"<="'" Q»cen dreames, minifter not the things of God, but of men, and ei- Pa^'^otftciT'lV' ther never-were members of the true Church, profeding the in- of!il!^Po**pifl! Tb* ^*

Ok

cc re-

tire faith, or upon their difcovcrie, are caft forth as unfavoric mmations, of ..„ lalt. And this tne paflages of Scripture, quoted to prove the *"°"'">of'mages* controverfall part,as you fay, doe confirme,Whereunto anfwcre °f'^"">o'"Co} cj, hath been given already. And the authours of all forts alledged, P,xes ^croir/s doe confent: for it is moft manifcft, they fpeake of falfe Pro- of Cenicts, Jf Ho-phetSjWho have no calling, teach ftlfe do<5b:ine, were never ly Water budcis, members ot the Church, or fpringing up, and continuing in *^^ ^'^-y 2f"<i the Church fora time,arecenfured and caft out,that they might "^^''^"» of chif-notmoleft, tare and devoure the Flock, But in this fenle, the tlj'vc alT' U6[l. ' Minifters of the Church of England be not Antichriftian • that trou$ Pric{ts,and which is ipokcnagainft falfe Prophets, cannot be applycd unto ungod y ignoianc them. Cui.ites.

And here confider how plentifull you are in proving that a^nd cror^of H^il which was never queftioned; as that the Saipture isperfcd, rcfie. Tius^changc to make the man of God wife unto falvation, that falfe Pro- of their ufe, by oc-phets muft not be heard or belccved, that the FaithtuU muft"^**" of Altars, come out oi'Bahylott^&c.^^ua that the Minifterieofthe Church ^''^ otherccrcmo-ofEnglandis.Antichriftian,and tlie Teachers falfe Prophets,"s^j^^^y^J^*"!?^^^!"* as the Scripture uleth the word in the Texts alledged, this we of the figurative miift take upon your bare w<>i;dvOr moft grievous miiapplicati- fpecches of the on of the holy Text. '" S , Ancients,^-^.

P4Hhhc Fift fyou fay) In a certaine BuU,fent to the Catho-1'^^ "^f^^:^^ '^^ likes in England, chargeth them by all meanes not to goe to the the cha- ge of ihe Parilh Churches,or heare their Sermons, leaft they incurre the fut.ftjna>,e^r. wrath of God If this teftimony will ftand in any fteed, the The Pop cfirft Pope himfelfe doth not efteemc our Parifti aflerablies Anti- '^^'•^^* chriftian,for then his Catholike.'? (liould not incurre the wrath of God by going unto them. And what you can gaine by this witnefTc, I know not, unlefle it be to (hew, that how contrary foever you (eeme to be unto the Pope or Antichrift, ycT in this you confent and agree with him, to condemne Chriftian com-

G 2 muni-

raunion in our Aflcmblies in the holy cxerciiqs;- pf Reli-CAN. 5/(7}'. §. I. gion.

p.6 & §. J .p. <5o, Nay, the fentcncc ofthe Pope is milde in comi>arifon of that J'* brand which you let upon communicating the ordinances ot

th'uTlieybdlT''' C-odinouraflembiies, viz, ^ That it tendcth to tlie putting not thtmfcivcs ui.- down o" our true King, Chrifl: Jefus, and to raife up Antichrift dtragicaiercmrc, againC; that bioody Tyrant; which bold ignorant ccnfuremuft by uiing their i-jecds workc the foule of every fober minicd Chriftian to fu-trrtif^u^n^^amr ^jp^ift, that in defence of this caufe, you confulted with furie, one mi "cf fhe"*^ more than with truth, and hoped to winne more with fwel-Kir.geiomc of the ling words of vanity, than vveight of reafon. But my purpofc . ic.iif., nhich the is to try your ftrength, and for unadvifed cenfurcs, vaine (coffe. Lord be fo: e hiJ gj^ J mif-appHcation of common received Truths, I will leave

b^retr ofTi ' yo« ^° ^^^ examination.of your owne confcience.

mouth.

Sect. IV.'

Can. 5rj>'againft.Se<5^.3.pag. 16^17.6cSeft. 2. pag. 14 & Se6t.4. pag. 6i. &: Se<5l. 7. pag. 8c;.

T

0 Vcorjhi^ God in any other wdy or manner than he hath In his Wordfrefcriledjis unU^^fulLBHt to henre Antichru-fiian AiiniFiers in falfe ^htirches^ ii to T»orJhip ^odin a iray and manner -which he hnth not prefcribed.TkeMajor,No man dires denie^ lajfure myfelfe. For it ii manifefl and certaine by therpholeeourjeofthe Scripture, Deut. 12. 8. Levit. 10 20. Pfal.iip. i33.Mic.7.i8. Hor.9.i5.Ioh.^.2g. Matth. 15.3. 4. Col. 2. 8. 2 Job. id.17. Moreover, allfortsandfehsof I -writers achnowledge this for a Truth. Zanch. explic. in Coloflf. 2.

23. tom./^.fAg. 319. Luther com. in Galat. ca^, 6 pag. 871. Brent./« Amos.cap.^. ■,

Touching the Jecond part: J may If are alt proofs", anajt.'id them to their orvn confciences^ That this hearing ii a roorjhipy the HQwCon fc,-m. i?i fame is manlfefi and cleere to any that have an eye of reafor- and Tfai i\Z p.7^ any light ofR eligionfhining in them.' None to my knowledge, fa~ Zfing a Popijh Parafete or two ^ ever held otherVcife. That thia '^orjhip ii done in a Vcay and manner^ -which the Lord never appointed,

C45)

tedjt ti44 there M the Suyf <^n noon duy^ And t^inat ffUh itty-i

modcHface bed nyed,c^c. '■ . •,• ,;:':'}.^ ;•'';•» •,t

Answer.

T His is an old garment new turned, and ti|<? iamcapf/• {vvcrwbich wasmadeto the former, might Tqji^e to this : wherein the thing to be proved, istairely a n-

palVed over with a brave fiourilh of words , and no- ^^^ clm^.pd,^. thing elfe. If yon meet witb liich company as will be a- G^aliiih^Aot (liamed not to fee, becaufe you cry out fo vehemently, It is, m chnrgcd u« to be cteere ai the S'tny'tt cannot he denied With any modefi face ^ Yoircurioos infcatch-may lead him blindfold. But if a man will build upon his owne ["o his Efscncc, faith, and not be led by your fanfics, he (liall never fee it proved "'^^jj / "r^I^c by any evideix:c that you Iiave, or can brmg,Tnat by communi- wmi. Hs neuh-.r eating in our AfTemblies in the ordinances of Religion, (jod is c.ikes, nor requites wor(hipped in any other way or manner than he hath preicri- "iny thing ac om bed. But feeins; this realon is broui'ht fo often, and for fo ma- ^^""^l '^^^'"^f ^'*-ny pnrpoles, I will examine it more particularly. ^^ ^,,^1^ bi^ ^.^.

Ifthe meaning'of your propofition bee. That no pofftive cording to his worlliipjOrUibftantiallmeansofworiliipislawHiU, but what Will, we honor is in fpeciall appointed, or itiftituted of God, and that no du- 'V'" asourCoJ ( ties of Religion be neceflary to falvation, but what are taught ^hSiVc h^h ar-in Scripture, then we grant it is true, and confirmed by the pointed for him-courfe of Scripture, though many paifages cited by you, will felfc, or addc any not reach unto it.Tor the law of nature commandeth all men, thmg ur.to it, he whohavf anyfenfc oF a Godhead, to receive, aiid not give'^^''^^^'^^'1°"'^ rules of Religion and Worlhip. The holy care of the Patri-„q. m^^'JJ^J!^ \^^ archs was to reverence and obey that which they had received, to tt e concnc oi and to attend upon further diredion, but of themfelvcs not to ->ur licarts, \vl«ch appoint or undertake any thing as neceflary to falvation. Di-*^)' "^cure is no '\ine inffitution oflegall and Evangelicall obedience, and wor*- f^^^ ^J' ^ ^^,^ lliip, is equally full and complete in all things neceflary, which //.lor! s? li ^i'

An2,.(^e Confer. EvangJ. I. c.i^ Soamsfeu enthi c/}, Z'fiuf/iqncmj., Dcum^ [:ccn'-iopncrc^rjiinrui' dojeipfeiolendumclfcprace^c<k. Aug. ta^.cxvctetil'cjlum. ^t. 43. Con/i:l fldzm ou'.ttvn voiijniummhimcpro:i-(j'e,'fdctiamok(Jc. Chry. vi Matth.hof/t. 5 i. D':jca,?:M cffi^fi^ "x i^'jus voLmioichcno:\rre. T^m tjui h.viorjtur, ;o muxtmc h6fi«re Utatur f^uem ipfe vul'y i'- ^ quern noi o-'' ramus- ai^f c{ffei:belw.Cl}^''ft. Subj. p.ii-i t p.7. Teaching the SicramcntS; I r;KJ'i Baptifir.c and ibc Lords Suppci,e>c, VVc fwetve not a jot trom the example olChiili .md his Apoftksi ilic Scripiuics will not lie, let them be judges.

it fccmcd good t© divine Wifcdomc to determine, not leaving any thing dfthis nature more undetermined in time of the (5o-fpel, than it was in time of the Law. As the Jews had a com-mandcment, either to atUe ought ftnto, nor take ought from the Deut. 4.r. law, which the Lord gave unto them : fo the Apoftles recei-

ved a charge, to teach ^hatfoever the Lord commanded tkem: Matth.i8.io. Wheuce it is truly obferved,that men may not teach their own Zinck.de Script. doftrine,but whatfoever Chrift hath taught them ; for hec referveththisauthoritieto himfelfe, to be the onely Teacher Gcnev, Bibky amot. and Author of the doftrine. The King of the Church is her ira Matth. i8. zo. ^^y Lawgiver at all tim6s.

^^^di ^rmTn'tor But if the Way or manner of Worfliip be ftretched to the rak)n addTd"o'°'^ circumftances of time, place, order, phrafe of fpecch, and fuch mined, or altered like, not determined by God in particular, but left to the liber-in cither of them, tie of Chriftians,fo the generall rules of Scripture be obfcrved, &c. CiU.inp. then the propofition is not true, the Scriptures doc not confirm i.^.ca.io.%. I. it, it was never acknowledged by Divines of any fort or fed hI. Ainfw. firR that have appeared to the world. For what is in generall on-anfvv.p.zfi.That ly Divine, but in particular left without determination from he taught any God, that in it felfe is indifterent and variable: of which fort thing as needfull ^^^^ ^^^ houres of the morning and evening facrifice, their ou't w ^'^am fTom ' Synagogues, Oratories, and places of Worfliip throughout the the Scriptures, 1 land of Canaan, their courfe of reading, and many the like, denie. What God hath commanded in his Word, that is not left to

Harm corjcff'. He!- ^he libertie of Chriftians: What is prefcribed as neceflary, worr vettc.cofifijjxap. 24. ^jp^ ho]y,that he hath not left undetermined; But that which il^T)edImmMbo- "^^y be done this way,or anotber,at this rime,or another,in this ri^m. ' formc of fjieech and method, or another, that in refped

Chamier./pw 4 '/^ ofthisorder, time, method,or phrafe oF fpeech, is not necef^

Sacram . /. i .t. i ^ {^^^^ Jloly^ or WOrfllip.

Bufdifih bctro "^"y circumftance, as time, place, or whatfocvcr elfe, if it be

chrifiSHtj. par. i. either appropriated or commanded of God, it is neceflarie in ;>. J 5. point ofconfcience, holy, and worniip,as in conscience it muft

Thjsistbedu;y beobferved, and lubmitted unto. But to place neceflitie, ho-rh.u Bapcifmc re- n^^ff^. qj. worlHp in thefe things, when they be not dccermi-bciecve no"teac°hcr "^^ ^^ Commanded, is Will-worftiip, or fuperlHtion; lawfuil

butoae,v\hkh IS

Ghril} tofoUovvno Granger, to regard, or obey no Lord or Law irwikc in the Chaich,i;ut oaly the Son, whom the Fatherappoinccd lobc Matter , Leader and Ruler ofcUc Gtiuilcs. Balil.lcr. dsfiilc. It isantyident Hiding from the f.iitb,&«. tuhcrto dt-part tfom ihit which isWii:en,or to receive that which is not written.

flhcy

C47;

they be, as agreeable to tlie Word; but not ncccfldtyi becaufc not determined by tlie Word. -

The time was when it was lawfuU to offer faaifices upon the high places, viz,, when the place for Sacrifices was undetermi- ^lu^-^-^^?^.-. ^o*. ned, and then it had been Will-vvorl"hip to put holincflc in pla- ^ '^'-'' .^ "'^J '• ces, or opinion ot worihip. But when God had cliolen dijtj Aiuiw. a^;iet. m and appropriated one place f"or Sacrifice,and none other ^ tVfGi^ u.u. 17.5. it was a matter of necellitie,' olinefle, and v/orlTiip, to facrifice ^^^■<i^<t^t-ifjLevit. there, and a great linne to doe it any vv here ellc. y s.&imKeg.

The realon hereof, was not fimply bccauic it was not com- Yul'^ ,„ rhdobzU manded,for when it was lawhiU to the Fathers of Old, it was bomm cft.quDdne-not commanded, bur left undetermined only, and uled by them '/* P'^rcpii, lex as acircumftanceoradjiinrlalbwed, not as a matter of ne^-'"•'^'^"/^'^^<^=i ^Jf cenitie,holineneorworlliip; nor could they have ded it ^Z!i»ji^ff'^ without lupe. ftition; as on the other fide, after the ftrid: com- )-,ro)}ihi-wT^fvrJs^ mandement given to Ifracl, to facrifice in the place which God pcrfciu cd m-tex had cholen, and none other, and the place of wonliip pre- T<^c:)!oo,cui malii^t cifely determined for typicall fignification, it was a part of^'-'^^. true worlTiip, in conference necelfaric: for them to doe other- . j'!*, 'e^^"), ■^''^•' vviie,was grievoudy to tranfgrefie, and not to do? that which ons of Godj Lavv was commanded as necelTary, holy; and worihip, had been by them uh of prophaneiielVc. For that which is commanded, may not be'^'^'^''^''^^'s,sre neglected,neither is any thing to be done, which is repugnant ^r!/, » g^^-S^r*

thereunto. n • r^ . .V^n\.r.rWons,

But many things in the worlnip or God are not comman-fjch is God forded or determined by (iod,but left to the libertie of Chrillians; bids Gd. i,\ 5-. many things were unprofitable, and necdiefle to be determined 't <^j'''queftion i$ particularly by divine authoritic, as being eafily difcemable by ° ^^^'■^^'°JJ^°^ the light of nature, and common realon : and many things ^.^nes than God could not be determined, bccaufe one order in them could not hath tanghc fit all ages, times and places in the world. The divifions oi^'^'>'r-iCoifcif.art. the Chaptcrsand Yer(es,as they are in our Bibles, and the Scl^i-^?* \nuhef.thcoU

£ .1^ r - .. ._.\- T C .. ... J /■_ :..L._ '••' '"'"/^ II.12.

ons o{ the Law, as among the Jewes, are of men : and i^o is ^^<^ hifaLa^" vco' phralc of Ipeech and method ulcd in Praj?er, Preaching, Admi- u cQamii.iitm o^

I'lberM co:tofdmu! ; ^fque harum ^j;Uem lr.idt:mum qaa in ci; cumflansils vcrfa;-?!.'u lex fertirr a Tano 1 Cor. i4,dr-i::Din in i Trn. 5.15. Calvin././/V.4-/.C;. 15 $.l^.& 17.5. 45. OW. ttjp.adlib. depli virio^:.p.^ ' J. Fh Bcia. cor-f (j.Ci.aTt. 18..

atr

(48)

at what hourc, on what day, in what place, the Paftor fhal! preach, which arc particular determinations of the Church,and variable. If you lay, thefc things arc prefcribed in general! and by confequcncc, becaufc they are done according to the rules of dirc(flion given in Scripture : Ol: neceflitie you muft conf^iTe the propofition is ambiguous: for fomctimes prefcri-bed, fhall import, as much as determined, inftituted, comman-- -ded, fandifyed; if not appropriated: and fometimes it fliall note no more, but left at libertie, or indetermined. Neither SynopCpj/rioi thcot. wiUthatfenfeftandin the propofition, for then it fhould be! difp. i i.thcfij. lawfull to place opinion of necc/Tftie, holineflc, or worfhip ^b enmi traditb- in thofe things which are undetermined, er not commanded «umhimana)um of God, which is Contrary to the whole fcope and drift oi: jugohkrju kabem Scripture, and the judgement of all Orthodox and found Di-I'usDeifit.resad. vmes,newandoU.

rdigtonem pertinen- To proceed more diftinftly, becaufe it is a matter much in-tes frtefcnbire. lifted upon, and IS much miftaken, and mifapplyed by many.

Worfhip is as large as the Commandement,nay as the whole B Id ^ . Word of God. For fb it is ordinarily defined, A workecom-c \ To7hc pn:- ™^"^^*^ y '^one in faith, and then it muft needs extend it lelf as ccpt$ofGod,no- far as the Commandement. And if to obey God in confcience ^hlng is to be ad- of his Commandement, in all adlions, Civill and Sacred,of Pic^ ded.'D;«Ai2.Ncwtie, JufticeorMerciejbetoWorfliip him , then to beleeve mandcd^'t'hetr whatfoever the Lord hath taught, rel;fing upon the truth and thinos which arc credit of the Revealer, is w(?rl"hip alfo. And hence it is, that neceflarie. the Worfliip of God is ufiially divided into Immediate and

The rites of the Mediate Worfhip: which comprehendeth all duties which we ^^^"ff ^ ^l^ ?°^ ^^^'^ ^° ^°*^ ^^ ^'^2"' Now if the way or manner of Worlhip fo7e if ?hc^Ibroo'a. ^^ ^^^" "I ^^""^^' '^ptation : then the fenfe of the Propofition iion,or ufui-pati- muftbcthis. That no acflion, great orfmall,done to God or ou of any rite be man, religions or fociajl, is lawfull, unlefle it be prefcribed of

urged uJ ncctfla'^y, God.

m^'dVto'ire'^cim''" ^^^ ^^^ ^^ confider the paflages of Scripture, alledged by

mandcmcnt of"'' y*^"^ ^^^^^ ^"'^ Others, whether if rightly quoted, they doe not

God, which n for- affirine as much,

hid den in the fVhatfoever 1 Command joti that Jhallyee cbferve to dcc^ Thau

Word,&c

l>tit.\x.i%<i^ n^ \i^.&S 5» Uv.\'6.i^. \r,w.-),o. 6, /KmbcJe pawl c- 12 tom.t^. ^(ihtlvii

ia:f'm:i,-giai'ui adyaiieri n>xd.b.muiiruNd.iin. Nihil eel <}.wd havum ti4f:lm aAdmiHtn. Addenda

depYopna-'fmipiniirr) Qej mtcUcxU cffc P.andniHM.Tioictvin iiHur^rajeyiiUJtiieiUciienii^itqUi de-

{^ahe^i d.ijinU dcbcrc divii.i.s;yund.u^yjieq^:e.'.ddcre. ' "

put

C4P)

JhdkH9t Aetde thcrHc, whhifjhalt thoHtake ^Hghtfrcmit^ To ?^

what might they not Rcide? From what might they not dlmi--^^

niili ? Is it not ft om the whole Law of God, which teacheth •.

the whole duty of Man,both towards God, and towards Man

for the Lords lake ? Hereby the Lord eftabiiO-ieth his Word,

and his only, and his whole vvord,to be tlie intirc rule of Valtli

and manners. Hereby God appoinreth his ovt>ne H'ord And Lav,

t9 be the only rule of his Scrzice , ^S'ithotdt im'itdtingthe cufiomes

of others t or devijjna any thing of tWiro^ne, fl:ith Mafter yfinf-

"Worth. But ifby the Service ofGod^he iindcrftand the pofitivc

Worfhip of God only, or the immediate onl\', he ftraitncth the

meaning of the Text overmuch; Vor it ipeakcth plainly of the

whole Law, and is fitly allcdged to prove the perfcdion of the "^"""^ '« T>ch:.ix.

Scripture in all matters neceflar)' to falvation, and not ccnccr- J,*- .

ning the Worlliip of God only. Ifrael might not adde either ir°iS*S p,^] :

to the Statutes or Judgements of the Lord: and if by Statutes cumpie^ia &pcr- *

be meant Decrees for Religion, or the Worl"h'pof Cjod only,/"?<» exiffantaund^

( which cannot be proved by the ule of the Word ) by judge- '^"f** "nl^'um ad-

ments, they cannot be under ftood like wife. By this faith ^'^'l*}^'^^ .

Mai^Qt tAin[)>eorth , Cod forhicUeth all inventions of men. Ec- tJJi^,adTim'

c\.'^.2Cf.thc ^erkes of their o^ne handf.'^er.21^,6.and the Statutes i^m. 1. S: quidcm

gf the Kings^f Ifraelf which they after made without the ^om~ f/dci dogmapcrzcr-

mandeptent oj the Lord. But the inventions of men refpcd the '■*'' ^''^'"T? an^jhs

Commandments of (Sod in generall,and not the Cercmoniall ^'^]^n»finLtv\%

Ordinances only,nor yet the immediate worfhip of God a- Tcn.'dcprJ/aipi:'

lone. HefhalldoegoodfervicetotlTcPapifts, thatrhall limit rf^tf?/.^*m. jti*

the Texts in that manner-ibr by fuch like diftindions, they fcek "o^ hwioll for us

to elude them, when they are produced to prove the perfeftion ^o devi.e any thing

of the written Word of God, in all things neceflary to (aiva- foUomhu which

tion. others Hjtc dcvi-

Ye rhall take heed (faith the Lord)to all the things that I have fed. see Cham, faid unto you. But this cannot be reftrained to the ccremoni-^-^'^'^'-^^'^-"•'•'*• all precepts concerning Gods Worfhip, but muft be referred to ^r; *^' t j , , /• all things that God gave them in charge. 1>avid prayeth, r^'"° ".^^'^ j'^,'^*

ZOJ.

Hen k'ix\(vi.pan i.p.\%o. He inferreth,thjt generall admonition touching all the wayci of God, and not the Ten Commandenicnts only. Dofvay totnoi. in 'Dent. 4 i. & j 2. j 1. Hcniy Ainfw. 1. j^wrjp/.5S.7>r»i/. J0.6 Loehere all .ddiiions , andj ot onl) things contrary iue forbidden- Ex,ii-^i-^^ry>oli.8pc>,:/^fe)fifl. heir..%o. iny.cap. Ma.!h, Every Teacher is a (civ3ntt|f the Law,becauic he may fccuhcr addc oi h js cwne fcnft unto the L:.w, nor according to hit ownt conceit, takiig any thing Irom the Law,but peach that or.ly v^hichis iouid in the Law. ^u.Co.p. ^7. '

H P>/.

rjal. 119. I ? 5 Tfiteti: kiy fikf^yf^mfrd;*^ let nwte hfi]i^\ tie ya^y^^niimbft ovtr m^J- ]But whdt cAn be more plaine , than-thStZ)^Wdothnot'fpeakeofthe'worfliipot God alone,but' dcfires thatnll his counfeirs-^ thouglns, manners, actions might b<5dire;^edafccording'tb<>ocl&'VVord : becawfe the Word of ^ Gad i^thtrp[h ofall-c^n^ anions ? in which fenfe alfo it may bd' affirllYec^^TA^f ]Negiiti\;e'^o>'clnJiijns in mntters of faith, anddH' litn hv(vi.r.Anfjies,fbfh\\'y^lt.fromSVriff^^^ ,'V:-:0.*

p.<i^. The icr. Iftli^way or manncr'of Worlliip, be put for immediate cited/:'.Dc///.5.?i.\VQi-(^ipj then itextends as large as the Commandemcnts of *Gods'conv tHe'/iW:Table,andtliefenfeofthepropofition muftbe, Thit nir.ndemcnis"Ci gc- no WbrfliTp, puhHkc or private, muft be performed to God for jiciail j ybutakc liibftance,mannerbrtime, other thari that which God hath one in particular, prefcribe^d in his Word: which holdeth not tnie, unlefle it be '"^ bc""ff ojc IS adcied,Thatnb worfhip muft be performed as ncceflary and alTinuh notbr^ ho|y for fubftance, manner and time, which God hath not pre-aih"" "°^ \, ifcriWd Forv.hatrhallwcfayof the time oPprivateP'ray-A b.Tputc, p.irt I. er in the fan^ilie or clofet, the forme of catechizing, and- tran"-* (ap,^. p.^. flations of the Scripture, the times for publikc Lc(^]rcs,and cx-

chur'TJechV^^'^ ercifcsoFRcIigion Upon the week day, and ordering andgo-anto usVhat^h fit. vcrnmcnt of Schooles,and Univerfities? for thefethings are r«ot tell in fach things foi* time,words and manner prdbribed,or determined of God) as arc in their own Ifthc word,Wor{hipi be taken more ftridly for lubftantiall mture in^iftercnf, \Yorfhip, Commanded in, or referred to the firft and- fecond fed by'the law^of" Gommandenxnts, ufualiy known by the titles of inward and Cod,nordatu.c. outward worfhtp, Naturall and pofitive inftituted Woi'fhip jd.p.zt. (though perhaps the tcrmcs be not To fit;, if better were found

As when the qqi ) then the meaning is, that no Worftiip of God, inward ^^h ka^'^n ' °^ outward, rwturall or politive, is lawful! j but what is pro-great^Towncs fcribed and determined of God in his Word. But then there there fliall be a Want not difficulties: for how (hould Worfhip be naturall,if it Sermon on fuch a muft be inftituted and prefcribed ? If the light of nature or ♦^'X °f'^^, ^"^' reafon teach it, which is planted in the heart, by the finger of er", every d^y't^' God, how canIt be unlawFall, unlefTc it be prefcribcd by an cit--

fuch an!iourt,&c.

I^irftbook ofSco;ifl> D.fcip. In great Towncs, we thiokc expedient, that ercry day there be cirher Sermon, or Common Praycr> &c. Zanc. in quartum praepiurn in tradl. Medrfcip, Eulifrr! fine. Calv Itijlit.h'^.c. 10 §, jo,? i. Eififatcanmrnm inviti ex injjui & natural:Dei CQ'iTut one. aficvirupujequietiam in gmcrc Vcnm tjje coltndum. Item n$nfolum iwerno affe^u cul' tm iliumficridebere , fedaitm (xteinoa£ln. NegamM tameUi natfuali (egi determinoiafn effe jpneiem Ham cxh-rmiulttt^s. Rivet, in Gen. exercit. 42. See Sculict. Ethx. lib. j, NcJihcr Angtis nor

ternall

tflrnailwofdofin^tution^ Wbat ftiaUfiycc^^y of outw^d eeftivcs, H}ad f }}>f»p4 «P°" ^^^ ^^Yt to doc^f^ t(ic liidjien ^^ , §j^on 9f:tbc,(<?ijle ;^ xniift ;hdc be prcipritw^fj.^pd.detcriiiincdy ' or faHonder th^o ccnfurc/' When the Wofd informcth mti to call upon God in the Mediation of Jefus Chrift •• dott». notircafonitfdfe W4tjh9utanyf\iithcr^itution, teach (n;ic to' k«eclc,ltiftHjpfl;iyiiands, &;q. ,At leaft, if wxs-^^p bf j^jatjiirall, orp0fitiv?ynwft'thcrcb<:u4iftin^i9n ofthc int^tutjioftacprei, fcription pfc this worfl\ip alfo ? Poth not pofiwivc ^^fliilup; ifC?

quireonem5Vincrof-inQ:^utiQn,;naturaUanothqr7-.of{j V. -^^ro If the way or manner of Worfhip be rcftrained to pofitjvc, or inftitute,d only^t iS)in<|>ft tpue;,IS[o \Vor(liip isiawfiili,wl^ch )$ noit in fpeaajl qqnirnand«4j .or Jipp^jnted. of C^od^iivhis Wocd. But then ithe Tejcfs of Scpiptyrc, quotp^^cyPJ?M proofc, will not fpcakunto it. _ , ...„ j . j

Ye fhali not doe (i'aith o%>/« ) after all things, whicK wee ^'*-'-' * • * -4oc here this day, et^^ry inan, ail tl^t it> rjghc in his ow«^ ^yes* Some Gr?ck copijss have it, ^iVu i,ui7i 7mi»%a ■/* ^rf.^tejK.; ,<Pth^9 fit>v;^«<.7rei«^, which is according to the Hebrew, And.th« AmiVt.«»«?/. « fpoech oiMofes feems to mean the true Service of God, which ^'*''-' ^- *• was not yet perfe<fted,neither could be in their travelJs,as it was aftfr in/4»A(w,Y.ip. 11 .Not that they facrificed after tUcir fan-1""^^''<''•'» ^ent. Cic(iaith the (?tf/<tff^ notes)but that God would be feed more ^' p ^i^^r^'/i'* purely in thelaynd<3f(f<«»A<«./«;*. upon this pl3cc notcth. Etfi , Kcg.i. "^'^'"' obUtiotw lex tMaftrnperjuitab witisprtcfcripta a Deo,no»potHit '^cizbX.i^ffcccr.tity tdmen ufque adeo in ambnUtorits ijraelitarum cafh-is obferVi',hy '^ "'^.' "^^f-^tttii autfummojureabUl'n exi^iy prout ofiendit<i^mitkefis,Wesf. 11 '"^["'^"^ rios,&c. vuicNum.i^.6, TheZ)ott'^;Divincs,onthcplacc, give this t'^l^Sf^ obfcrvatian, , In the Dciart, they could not obferve the Cere- huf:/:mui,i. extra. monies of the Law, but comining to reft, they were bound to 'erramfanifam. J<ccps all one ict forme of holy rites. The coi.^ufion from this ^°^^^- ''■«'«;• Text is, That God is pleafed to difpcnce with his people in his fj^c rnina f/' • owne prefcribcd Worfhip, untill, if he hath appointed, deter- fi°c y^tht%^o{ mined^ or appr^ria^ed a certaine forme, time and place, they which they did not have oppottunitie to fervc him at that time, in that place, and obferve exaftly,by after that forme. But thence it foliovveth not, that he hath de- '^"S^" °^'^^

coniinuau wan-dringof the people. ^Tifjv mnot.'in Rev lO.i 9. De .iaf. IL2I m Lci-.io :^. ThcLordhuk" llicwedgrciit Wijth agiii.il me by j;hc death ot my Tons , howthcncani eatc of this facrificc to bcaic th^ fins otjLbc peojjle, according to ihe orJinvy law , the Lord noc tcing pleafed with mcmyfclfc. OthcrswQuldhavcitj Thaiilie crtuid no: c5tc , btcaufe he wasinhcavi-— '^" h btingmeetke Ihould Cttc thofc things wuh ;cy and thaiifcfgivmg.Z/j/4i'/. amoi in Lh.

> '--,):::. •. . H 2 -^ • terixS-

ntllc,

terhrinecl, or appropriated a ccrtairjc forme of pUcCj' ©r tfeat.'no > other'WorOiip may be tendred, but what hcliath in particular appointed, or prefcribcd; This I lay,cannot be'concluded from the Text, though I gjrant it is a truth rightly underftood, as I iaid before. ' , '" ^

Such things (faith«-^-<^*«^havcbcfaUenme,and if Iliad eaten'thcifin'oflferingtoday,fhouldit'have been good in the cyesi dPtfic Lord ? -In thefe words Aaro» excufeth himff Ifc, by rcalonofhistorroWjWhich made him unfit and unworthy to eate of thofc holy things. "Dff^r, j^, y; ^ a^. 14. Htffi

9.' A'

' ThciC^ew^^'DisSnes, ibmcwhat tothc fam^^purpofe. Natural

griefe oftoiiide,' madee>i^r<?« bot^ unw'illirigtd cate jand Icifo

apt to complete all the ceremonies :(& without fin he omitted

that pertained to his ovvn comodity, offering it untb God.Thq

,G^wz'^ notes, Mofcj bare with Jiis infirmitie, confiiering his

great IbrroWi'but doth not leave an example to forgive them

tiiat-nihlitic ily tranfgrcffe the commandemcnt of God. The

KuX^trc^dziitj,^<»»0di^potmc&Mfdrree/im^ ant flacere D<7-

minsin ceretmniis ntenteInguhri ? Vatchlus, or Leo Inda, Tali^'

(jH^ mih'uaccidertint^etjicomedijfew hofiiAmfrofeceatiihodie\,nHm

hoc bene faSlant ejfet in ochUs Domini ? Or , Mihi OHtem ueci-^

Jerunt huJHfmodi, Ji i^ifHr-comediffem-, hodie ehUtionemiffAm

propeccato,anplac;4i(J}tDeo? And the fenfe.of the place'he

gives thus, Mthi t4*»en Tnortfiiffintfiiii me't, e^uod certe ^gf^'

mento eFiillorumfacrijicium Deo no» flacmjfe ( ignord^at eniift

Aaron cmjam mortii f/iorHm ) Si igitur comedijfem ejt,od mi'

hidcMatHTyexeuobtAtionecfHomodopUcHi^emDeo^ cjuumeh'

laio ipfa non placHerit ? "cf. 4. Non futavifore Dep grMHfh^

<, _^i v.,. cjnum eA vlUlmA.nen fuerit plodftt^.^Iuti. cives the words ano-

'^ ■ tnerlenle. Ego cjuoquenonjaw attend ad ojpaum mtht impera-

tHmlege^fedperimprudentiampeccaviHtfliimifHperfiites : e-

jufdem negligentia gt" pertHr^^tioni) remfttm : gratumne ei fff^

retjfiegoadhfic inpecoato havens, pcccatftmpop»li expiandnm in

me trarjjlfilijfcmi-

The coijclufions from this Text of Saipture, may be fuch as thefe ; That - oftentimes the letter of the law giveth place to great ncceluties; or that Gods worfhip, where be hath prcfcribed and determined the manner, muft be performed as be hath appointed. But that no other fervicc may .be tendered untoGod,, than he hath ipf^ituted ( though

that

(n)

i^^bczTtuth ) or that in eventide he hath determined the manner of his. Service, that cannot be gathered from this Text.

All their wickcdnefle is in GilgalCfaith the lord by the Pro- n,./.^. if, phct) tor there doc I hate them : for the wickedncflc ot their f^of 4.»5 f^" ' >-inventions I will caft them out of mine houfe ; I will love' ^•^^'^-"^''-^^ them no more: all their Princes are rcbells. The vvickedneiTc ^'^' of 5"'/^**^ was that horrible idolatrie, wherewith it was polluted, and by their inventions, wee muft uuderil:and their idoli-trousWori"hip,fetiipdire(4lyagainft the Commandcment of God. And by the houfe of God, neither the land which the Lord gave them to poflcfle, or tlic family ot Cod is meant: but the condition of the people oiIfr.u/, will not fufl-cr the San-duary or Tabernacle to be undcrftood. For they fet up Altars, and facrificed in Gilgal, wncre was neither the Arke , nor Sanduary of the Lord, and when Cod had cxpreCly forbidden cither to multiply Altars, or to faci ifice in any other plice than that which he had chofen unto himlilfe. But how doc thefe things hang together, Idolatrous worlhip, diredly contrary'^''.'"■•5^^''*^/''''"':'. to Gods Commandcment, is unlawfull, therefore it is unkuv- J^.* ^^- "^I'^jw/?^ full to worlhip God in any other way or manner than he hath /^jjo'pim^^ 'cPoci inftituted? The thing concluded is true, but it hangs to the jo iwcm^cumpe/ Premifes as a rope of fand.. //..i.w)Prnpheun

Two paflages of Scripture are rightly alledged by you (the '^'^^^ ''qit-tt'^y ^ reftaremufteredupmeerelytomakeathcvv, and argue y^^^ J'^JJhLme* great inconlideratenelTe in citing Scripture ) againft will-wor> tf,tir,d.ita & ioan-Ili'p, and (iiperftitious rites,or emptie lliewcs of Religion. For m^ h'mmum chccn-the foule of Religion, is to doe ads with relation, to Gods"^ & uerhnt Doml-Commandement,and where there is no Commandcment or'';^'"^"^''^'"^^ "''"^ Inftitution, there can beno conlcience ot worlliip, no txpecta-^^^^/p ;^ ^^^^ tion of ablelTing. Inthlsfenic therefore :::c propolkion is to Masih.is j,*. be admitted. But in a matter of fuch importance, fo much in-cvU.8. filled upn by your fclfe, it became you to de.ilc diftindly, and ;" «• ''^ ^^'f^Z prove (ubftantially what you affirme, and not to confound J^^J.J^^^^'J^^^^^ things that diflcr> confidently to atiirme what you can t^^sz^ abhim'mbiisinlli'

tH /•«' fue Delm:n-datQyVAVUMcfl. ifat. 19.1 ?. Mat /?. 1 ?.8, Hc^.i i6. Rom. 10. 17. !?{;« ta^r^i ?r(gcr^ffs p^ffc cos qHitickfum rcgmt prefer there ai'-.-.M^ifirgubrc de ctT'Wtricmt'th,^ Dti cut um ter:ivo tsv.ts, ex vlt--t)i 1>a "tncrulhui, tximt'Oin ut dekcu<^ tern^'iTitphili amm er.nvtntuum &ftmi'uhifs qi:a adpnia-tern itc:tfi.ifluafn pcrimcnt, fed Tif^jmui intdihu^fotfndiitefiHliHrn DticB^il'ioc. Can, ^tcty ftci.x,

make

make goodjand hcapc up Scrij^turcs and Authors to no pvirpofc.

Toufaj/ ,if is a certaine rule {as Logicians teach ) Things art

re^llj to be dtftif^gftijbed, which in themfelves are to be.[ef orated

each from other. But the rule is, That all things arc rcUly diftin-

guiilicd,which may be feparated each from other,as the body is

really diftinguifhed from the apparrcl,becau(c,ttc garment may

be feparated from the body,&:thc body from the garmcnt.How

trucly you underftand,or fitly apply that Waxi'me, it is needlcfie

to examine further : but what you obferve in your Piftoler ( as

you ftilehm) that is mod true in your felfc andfomc others,

that ignorance or negled of diftinguilLing things that difler in

this matter of Gods Wordiip, i&one maine caulc of great error

and going aftray.

In proofe of your propofition alfo,you lavilli fomewhat,when you lay without limitation. That all forts and {q^s of Writers acknowledge it for a truth; For the Papifts generally hold the contrary, as you know. But this is a thing with you very uliiall and common. / . '

The later part of your rcafon, which you fmootiily pafle cv ver,as a matter cleere, and manil^cft^and for proofe whereof,you lend us to our confciences, in confcience we utterly denie, and by the Word of God are alTured of the contrary, viz.. That t*o joyne with ou** congregations in the ordinances of Grace, is a Worflifp ot'God prcfaibed in his Word, comended of Chrift, and blefled of him to them that in confcience obey his Com-mandements. The Wordiip there performed, is that which the Lord hath inftimted, the dodrinc of falvation is taught in-tirely, the Sacraments rightly adminiftred, the facrifice of Prayer offered unto God in the Mediation of Jefus Chrift, our onelyhighPrieft, who is prefent in the Congregations,by the prefence ©f his grace, gracioufly inviteth men to come unto him, and fweetly refreilieth them that in truth of heart draw nigh unto him. Thus God is worlhiped in our alfcmblics, and this worfhip is performed byfuchasare called of God, and many approved of God in their Office and Miniflcric.

That the Preaching and hearing of the Word is a Worfliip of God, if the word, Worfhip, be taken largely,to comprehend both all naturall worfliip, and all means inftituted and ordained, whereby God is pleafcd to teach and inftriid his people, will cafily be granted, and fuch as denie it J are juftly to be taxed. But that diftindion of Worfhip mufi be admitted, which is

taught

c^o

tatight in Scripture, and the more cxa(5VIy tcarmes are diftin-guifned, the more cleercly the fraud of the Adverfary is difco-vercd, and the better able fhall wc be to confute them, unkffc we Jiad rather doe it with bigge words,tlian weight of rcafbn.

Onely here obfervc your partiality. For to (hew the nccef-CA^r.NcccfT.of fitieof Separation, fpeaking of outward Worfhip ufcd in the Sep.p.? z./aVw. afrcmblies ot Engiandj you lay; As for Preaching, it is held to »*». be no part of Divine Service, and for proofe, you quote H<>1V-fofjj Serm. in , 'fal, 118 pag. 18. C a n , i p ,Sjo» plea, 326. And, Touching Preachins, it is no Effentiall part of their Minifterie. But againft your Piftoler, to prove that hearing is Worrhip,you Can. Stay. §. 3. fing another note; None to my knowledge ( laving a Popi{h ^ ^^• Parafiteortwo, He^fotiySerm.in Vjd. iiS. pa^. 78.) ever held other wife; tjU. but that hearing was Worfhip. And they by men of better judgements have been fharpely blamed for it. But let us hearc how you goe forward in this Argument.

Can. Stay againft Stray. Sed, 5. pag.17,18.

Thf Chirch is AH Ido/l Chnrch, and th Mini fiery an Idoll

Mtnifierie: i^^ndifthe Church he an Idoll, the MlniHerie ^c/^ 14 8.1 Cor. an Idoll, the Government an Idoll, &c. In theivords then of f ' ^; ^^^''f^'"' '"*' the Prophet, WhathAV6^'e to doe any more ^ith Idolls? * '^.^o^-'4. what agreement harh the Temple ofGodmth Idolls .? Z/f-flechildren, keep yourfelves from Idolls^ o^gaint, my dearely beloved, Flee from Idolatrie. But ho\Sf , mente & corpore,/^<V/> Parens, that is, the vcorjhlp and reverence of Idolls,

A N S W E Ri

The Aflfumption you leave naked,to fliift for it felfe, bccaufe you finde it an eafier matter to declaime againfl Idolatry, and holding communion with Idolaters, in their Idoll-fervice ( which.no maiievcrdoubted) than to nuvke proofe, that to

joyncv

worfliip or fupcrftition. But if" you prove little, you have learned ro accufe manfully. An Idoll Church, an Idoll Miniftc" ric, an Idoll-govcmment, who doth not tr-mble at liich thunder cracks ?

But firft you (liould call to minde what you anfwcrc to your Cam. Stay.§.j.». oppofite. As for your bare faying, it is farrc from proofc. To 20' affirmc or dcnie (according to Ariflotle) is of no confcqucncc.

Anft, deinierpret. Wcc cannot take his bare faying, dejnrc O" fide , to be a rule of ' J "^' ^'J^ ^'^ ""/' ^^"^ ^° ^' ^'^^ ^^^ confcicnces are not (like Sam/ons fhoul-t^^c&MZ ders)ftrong enough to beare it. If it may fufficc to accufe, CxN.Stjy. §.7. who ("hall-be innoccnti'Andif the caufc may be carried with l),Sp. clamors and out-cryes, you are furc to winne the vi-

^ry.

2 Suppofe our Church and Minifteric be an Idoll in fomc rcf pcdl, it is not a reall Idoii, but Metaphoricall, not abfolutc, but in fomc confidcration: for the Word preacheuj and the Sacraments Adminillred in our i'ocieties, are the true Gofpel, and intirc Sacraments of Jeliis Chriftj which could not be, it' our Church and Miniftery was abfolutcly an IdoUja mcere nothing. But to draw illimited conclufions, from a reall Idoll, to a Metaphoricall, from an abfolutc Idoll, to an Idoll in fomc confidcr^-tionorrcfpecf^jisancwLogick never taught in the Schoolcs, nor learned from the Scriptures. The idle, carelelTc, unprofitable, covetous, proud, fcandalous ■^^f' * ^ •'^'' ^* fliepheard, who fillcth the roome, but doth not the office of a £t'V?4-'°i>4>^ fhepheard, is an Idoll fliepheard: But the faithfull were not They Will not'be to Hie fromrthcm, both in mindc and body, io as to have no able to doc the communion with them m the Ordinances of God. workeofpaitors, In the daics of the Prophet leremity the men of Jcrufa-*]i^'^'*^ mc'^^h' ^^^^ ^^^ ^" gcneralljboth rich and poore, were Idolls,who had eyes !hey"w^f never be but faw not, carcs, but heard not. But the Prophet had not buc idoils. T.c. learned in minde and body, to fly from, and have no focietie rcpi.i.p.i.p,^6g withthcmintbe worfliipof God. The fliffc-neckcd, and Jtre. ^I,i. difobcdient lfraclites,the uncircumcifed in heart and life, were

iJm.i Z.1J, J. ^^gy j^Qf jJqJj ?^ people not a people ? Though thofe their vices muft be fhunned, yet we have not found,that LMofes and the Prophets did riy from the ordinances of God, becaufe they muft have nothing to doe with Idols. Every thing that is em-ptie of goodncfle required, ^nd fo doth failc or fruftratc cxpc-clation, may be called an Idoll, a thing of no worth, vainc and

fruit-

C^7)

fruirlefle. So an Hypocrite is an Idoll; the husband, wife, father, friends, who arc not faithftill, doc not their office, may ^< "- 15.4, be called Idols. /^^faithtohisfriends^YcarePhyfitiansof no S»^K 7>(thi/i, « value, bccaufc they had deceived him, as Davidimh, All the ^^^'^ '':''^'"- \'*-gods ot the people arc vanitie, or vame. The covetous perlon ^^ is an Idolater, and his goods are Idols : muft thaeforc thcfe 1 ob tf. 1 r. goods bee deftroyed, and the pcrfons be abhorred ? Nay the 1 c ht. i ^. > ^y^'f^-outward Ordinances of God thcmielves, Cixcumcifion, Ba- ^*P'- "^hrh^ ptifme, the Lords Supper may be called Idols, things of no va- ^^^a* ^ft,e..7;.^^..^ luc, that profit not, as feparated from the inward grace or ^t'^lcj!' uuvun. thing fignificd. And if wee (hall annex your AlVumption, „«; ex Heor.fi'-and, now then in the words of the Prophet, What have we pt ic £j>h y , .CoL any more to do with Idols ? What agreement hatb the Tern- <-5-v»uii"Ji.i.i^ pieofGod with Idols? Will you grant theconclufion, or condemne the inference, as unlearned, foolifli, perverfe, not tree from grofTe abulc of Sci ioture ?

3 Our Church and Miniftery is not f^zc from (jwtsand lob ^24 ftaines, wee freely confefle to the praile of Gods glorious fj'"'**\'^ grace, and heartily bcfcech his HighnefTc to fupply whatis 5«V/,;'J,,'^ EdtfiA wanting, to amend what is out of order, and to remove what r/?, <•-; xtum chi-isfuperfliwus.But notwithftanding any defe(5ls or corruptions ppi'nc vnMdiar, that can be charged upon us, the Church and Miniftery is "fi -^ '*• obcdunti^ true and found, "enjoying whatfoever is eifentially neceflaric ^,!c.l^lfu\p^\^ to the lite and foulc of a true Church and Miniftery, given by ^/, Ej^^afmo n<m Chrift, andiuchasthc Kings of the earth are bound by Gods fk£.ity:fr,mata A-law to proted and maintaine. For our Church is built upon po-j .1. TA-k-ut^v Jeliis Chrift, the fole foundation of his Church. Wc acknow- /"•^''^^•'^•» - '^-^i -ledge Chrift ( ur only King, Priell:, and Prophet. God hath ^^^'^ ^*"''"-"" '^-givDi unto us the Tables of his Covenant ,and we have rccei- Ambr. L LuM 6, Ycd them: and his free and gracious Covenant is confirmed cap.^. Tm.^.Fi.^.ef by the true «nd efFcduall feales, which he ha:h annexed unto ^gt.ia .-« p/imu Ec-hispromife, andcommirted unto his Church as their prcr»- -^fi'^l'"^^^ gative. Chrifts Name is truly and only called upon m our f^,^^ hlbrlor fit AlTemblies: hisGofpcllisintirely Preached,andfavinglyre- h^uddubit kg'-Mda. ceived by liis people, and hee is prelcnt with his Ordinances si qua efl (uiefia.

qi4it j^dem rfpuat dcfe tndaisi. Ibid Petralva (h i/?u: (fijfun^.-lamenfufil Bed Jt/e fide: cfi, Stmn'mptt a fiuerU,'r,iEcchfi.: cris ipctra e^ Ch-iffi^i Hieron. inSyrr.-'.ie! tom.^^ liu t// Ecc'efia fa>:ila,q dtf.ttt.i CbrUli n.%.gra^ferVAt. Sta-plctoii tclcCt.cti: I qu.^.art. <i. FueiVc;a.Ei;atfiievnath. ^\]hn ChriJfiM/djeCi.pan.i p. j^f.Whirt filth UiUch, the CU'jr<h t lUth; anii hce thai aifirnies )gui c'»drti»c to b« {lUcf dcnifiyouf ^iicn'blici Jj.d aiultiiudcj to Ht the Chuich.

toblsiTcthcm, Cb the worthy partakers. Ifanyftubblcbcc laid upon the foundatbn in rcfpoft of/the Chur<ii or focictic, it is done ignorantly, for ought wee can judge, and with a mindc teachable and ready to give place when light doth evince it : atleafl:itisnotinpointsfiindamentaU,tha!tis^iJch asare lb maine, that without tlieiflihereis no(alvation, or offo cleareconfequence from them, that who fo is truly per-fwaded of the one, cannot but fee the otljcr.

The paflagcs of Scripture annexed, arc grofly abufcd, and ib are the Authors alledgcd : for they {peak of rcaU Idolatry, and Idols, from which we mufi: fly; but cannot fo much as colourkbly be applyed to feparation from the worfliip of God in our congregations, becaufc of fomcabufes which are not reformed . But you goe forward* and we muft folk>w you.

Can. Stay.Sec.}.pag«i8.

[fit i»a& Ifraels great Jin to carry the »hLmoHs mder the U^, to a f lace (hoyvheitfometimes la:^fHll, Ajidivhere their^oeL-ly Aiiceliors had before trnly worfiipped) becanfe they had necommandementfatodae: then certainly y fn»re in fault are thofe ()^hich with the ^orjhip of the G of fell) goe rthere it was never la^fullpithlikcly toferve Gody and where their forefathers never t» this day rightly jerved him.

Answer..

Here you beg what we Chaii never grant,, nor you bcabic Lav""b"ai ?cc!Ifc ^? P^^^ ^° wit,that our Church isan Idoll Church, our Mi-^ and judge,aiid oro- "i^cry an IdoU Miniftery,and that our forefathers nev^r right-cccd wpon no bet- ly ler.ved God in our A&rnblies: which is an eafie kind of icr ground tiaan difputing, if you get a reader as CTeduloos and willing to bca fufpirion. you ro?y miflead, as youarc percmptoric in palfing fentcace. , But if any iTian Tf tJre- ^^^ ^o"ld believe you herein, wee fhould bely the mercy of fie. B..yo,7. *Ciiri. ^od, and condemn the generation of his Saints. ?ar^ J .oag.so j. As for the high places of which wee read often in Scri-

pture, it was lawful! for the Fathers of old to offer Sacrifices upon them, when it was not precifely commandccf, but only the place tor iacrificc undctermined»But after that God -

had chden, determined, and appropriated a peculiar phcc for (acrifice where it was to be offered and not elfcwhcre, thai -^iMp'tc$g.i}h.i it was ^ great finnc for them \^nthoiit extraordinary difpenla- p^g. ^^9. tion r-commandcmenttoofferinthofe places, where their '^'^'^'^'"<'>i'>!atMi» godly Anceftors had truly worfhipedbcfore^notbecaule they Jam'^G J^""^ i!'^ had no commandement lo to do (for that may be faid of their lawforb^ %ml Anceftors, they had no commandement to o£:r there ) but inude to be made" bccaufe it Avas cxprcny forbidden. And here yon may fte how ^"'^ ^y ^n ct traor-thefirftpartof the fcntcnce doth croffe the later: For if '^'"•ryprfccpt co-godly Anceftors did truly worlhip God in tlie high places, Tudcl^ilhlhT^" when they were not commanded, then the ifraelites did not Terpcnt ^ \^o "b^" finne grievoufly in carrying their oblations thither, becaufe it "^ '^c.- which may was not commanded. What moved you fo to write and to ^^ ^Pi \y^'^ to this alledgc Authors, as it they affirmed the lame. Heave it to W°''«>^'tli a lii-yourconlcience to judge. This is lure,neither Scripture «®r Diut"j^7"& Author cited, doth fpeake with you in that matter, but plain- ^^ *'^' ^^* ly profellc, that it was unlawfull, becaufe it was exprefly ' chr.17^. forbidden. Thatcxercife( faith Zwwc^V) didfeeme praile- -^^^^^6.6. worthy to the I(raelites,aixl yet it is to play the harlot: Why? ^^^^J ^ • *'• becaule it is lacriledge to depart from the Word ot the Lord. c^Ld"vclf^'i^li But the Word of the Lord had commanded, that they fliould *« /» cni/toui en \~n worfhip the Lord only at la-Hfalem, and by fuch rites as hec ^■^' ^ (t^ cmra Dei /?~ had inftitutcd. jf'"^ « ^^*^ pr^-

Thc Kings who are commended in Scripture , who yet LtnCn'inUof tooke not a^vayt^ic high places, zs JfaJehojMfhat, Amaji^^ LaudJil etmul A^cariM, and fothiarty they were not commended for fuffer- '//«^ ifraeiitis vide-ing the hi gb places, but that they were conftant in faith and ^'''"'■' ^ ''»«»^ ftl religion, although they fell into Ibme peculiar (ins. But with- f^°^.-'°'^' ^^f ? aH, the abufe or the high places in the worlhip of God, was ^dJficJ^e'Jt'h vt no light (in, but very grie\ lus , becaufe it was properly tmni.verbuma.Doi and expredy againft the divine law and precept. mtm jufcrat u't taji-

As for the ten Tribe s who departed from the houfe of'Da- ^f" ^'e*''fi)ynis,^' vidy they finned grievoufly, in that they worfhippcdthe ^'^'^'"'^.o^" ^^>'«-Calves, and that in a place oKworlhip circled oftlu mfelves, ^JS'*''' '^"^'^ contrary to the word of God, leaving and toi faking that place S^cjun.Annot.in r. which tliw Lord had chofen to himfe,lfe. They profefTed the ^^g. j j. ^ j Reg]

true God, and turned not afide to tlie gods of the Heathen, *V ^•

> King. I J.I 2,14, Kiig 22.45. zKirtg. It. z KingMy.4 iKing. I^jj. B»'^'«Chil'Vfubj-a,}art4 pag^40. Gods aa»be»cTi»s\3*v, isno vtifranilop youto btcikehij lavy. By his Ijw hcc reftrainetk )■»»* not hitnUlic fromihcmaVm™ ofanyiuch liiiilitudes. 1 Kiogs ^4. ij.i^,

• I 2 and

C6o)

Hoi 9 i 5. 1 Kins tr.51.

Lev. 17.7. Hr'-. He/,. DIV^'7

e'.ttrntr.ibus, D(:u.ji.i7.i Cf.r. »o.io. H*.^ 1.1.3 Ad* 7.4'. • Cor

iO.7. I K Mg. 2.

23. and 14^ .9. * Chrou. I I HV.

Uc6Ttf./C(K

See Ai (:v. Ann«jr. la Lev,' 7.7.ff "<»

I if. 5.. 11 a,44.

*,.. KH Siu. ^.l pag.

B.Uir:ii ;n Ltv. 17. btc iunjii^cs 1 7 .

andinthatrcipcA arc called the houfc and fimily of the Lord; But as they lacrificcd at Bethel, and committed Idolatry in worfliipping the Calves, fo their fcrvicc was abominable, and their Pricflihood appointed for ihatfcrvicej I mcer nullitie and huinanc device.

Thus all the Jevves and Gentiles are faid to facrifice unto Divcls, who facrificed in fuch fort and place as God had forbidden r cfpecially i- tliey facrificed unto Idols, though in them they facrificed unco the true God in their imagination, asthelfraelitcshaddoiie when they made the golden Calfs, and facrificed unto it: and leroboAms Idols are called Divcls, and he is faid to make Priefts for the high places and for Divcls. Further this Ordinance ot God was typicall, and did £hadow forth Chrift^s the learned do obkrvc. and nc« without ground and warrant. All Altars, Sacrifices, Priefts, and the Temple it felfe where the Altar ftood, were but types and ihadowcs of C hrift. You your iz\{z cite out of Bifhop ^4^i«^f««,that hereby was figniiied, that only in the Church by faith in the chiefe high Prieft Chrift Jefus, lacrificc and fcr^ ice accepted of God, '\s, and can be offered and done, and no where els. By the erudiments ('iaith another) Chrift was rhadowed among thejcwes, aiid ejcpiatiop made on the croffe by his blood.

From hcnccbticfly let thele things beobfervcd. i That the Jewes finned by facrificing m the high places, and the II-raeiitesat ^^n and Tethel^ becaute God had forbidden it exr prc-fly, but againft communicating in our affcmblies, no fucb prohibition can be brought forth, which haply might bee the rcafon, why you had rather fay, becaufe they had no divise precept for it, than becaufe it was forbidden, which yet you know to bee moft certaine. a Though it bee not law.uU ta communicate with the people of God in their fins, yet wee may partake in the ordinances of w^orftiip, with fuch asof» fend grievoully in the worl'hip of God, as the Prophets and bithfulj, communicated in the ordinances of God at prufa^ lem, with them that facrificed upon the high places. 3. That in Idolatrous and. falfe Churches, that which ismeerelyof niai is vaine and fruitlefle, and a mecrc nuUitie, but if among them,, fomcthing which is of God rcmainc, it is not to bee cfteemed a thing of nought. 4 Wee muft neither forlakc all fociaies>. wherein wcc efpic many things repugnant to the

word:

(60

Word of God, nor call off every thing in thofe fodetics, wherewith we mult nat hold communion, as inlie^ v^ine and ineffe6luall. I n Idolatrous focietics, there may be lome truth whic! I mull t.oc Cill away, though I mull not hold fociety in their Idolatry. In the true Churches of Chrift, there may be div'crfe errors and ahuies, wherewith I muft not commnni-iCate, rhouiih I inull live and hold ftHowihip in the lociery.

i am bound to ke^pe the unity of that livingbody, vyhcrc-of I am a member, even with feme inconvcmence of licke-i!clVc a'ld u ilound pares, but I mull not joyne my felfe to a itrange body and lo beeome a member ot Satan, j. They tiiat Loramunicace in the Worfh'p of God in our AUcmblies doe neither hruig a llrange oblation, nor goe to ^ place forbid-dcnvtbr the worhip is ot Gcd, and the Congregation aflemb-leJ in his N^me,and he is there prelent to fcall them that draw nigh unco him in truth of heart.

Cjf.lib.x.c.4. The' people malt not partakt vfich tha facrifkc of afacri-legious TTielf.

S. B. Second an-(yftr, fag.xo.

Can. Stay. Sedt. j. i'ag. 19.

Off^ht we fsot to beleeve, that as 'God hud commanded, m t» Tvorflnp Him, that «, to heare hh fford, receive the Sa^ CrAtnents and to ufe other His Ordm*»ces : fo Hie hath al/o called and feparaed unto himletfe a Churchy a (Jom-munioft of Saints, and holy ones, in and amongjh whom . thefe htly things are to be ufed, and that xpe are to looke »» vhAt fellowlhi^ wee receive the holj things of ^od, as what the things are we doe receive. In award, ought we not to beferfrvaded, th^t ^s the iefall Sacrifices out of the Tabernaclevr T'emple, rvithinwhofecirclethej werepre-fcribed by the mouth of God, were unlawfully offered: fo all the Ordinances and exercifes of the Church under the Deur.i t.^;6,7. GefpeH done out of a true conflituted Chttrsh are altogether and every way finfulL.

Answe Ri

God bach feparated unto himlelte a Church, and amongft them hee is to bee worftiippcd according to hisowne appoint-mcQt. But this Church is of Urger extent than that which yoa

Call a true conftituted Church j wee rcade that the Lord did

Deuc. 1 1 f ,<»,7. '^huCe a certaine place for ficriiices, arccr which k was unlaw-

full o ladtifice in any other; anU fo we read glib that the re-

Eir j.i 2.10. malndec of the l^aichalf Lamb was to be buiiit and the rieih of

Bxod.xp. j4. cheRamme of Conlecration with the bread that remained un-

IcTit,»s •«J- . to the morning, and the flelli of the peace- offering: But that

lyceldthe Sct^p-^^ ^jj Ordinances ot the Churchdoneout of a trueconlti.uted

my^(cnul^lnd my Chorch, in your fenfe, ftiould be altogether unlawfully or that

cxpoC^ionwukout the Ordinances are tyed to your Church conlHcution, as the

the Scripture, let it Sacrifices were to the Ti^mple, that wc rcade not: and how

bee of no credir. ^j^^j^ q^jj we be pcrfwaded of it ? R«member your owne re-

e AN^^*" Vof fc- queft. Let the Scripture fpeake in the points betwccne us,for

par. »W. 111. Can. Without ic nothing is to be affirmed, and beyond it nothing to

Stay, bpiftlc to ihc be~concluded.

deader. Pciocipally, of" old the Temple fliaddo wed Chrift, in and

lohn I. ijjir. through whom we mull preient our fervice unto Goa, andrhen S the Ak^ ut ^^^ Church of Chriltians : but thatthe exttrnall conllicutioa for Cbrift in tke of * Congregationall focietie is reprefented thereby, inluch Ancients. Ignat. ad fort as if it be thus, or tlius conftituted it ihould be lawful! to Magwfian. To one joynewith them, but if this oi that exteriuUntc be lacking, Altar, to one Lord -j. ([^Q^Jl^ ^g unlawfuU to joyne in the worlhip ot' God, is molt TitL./one Alfar "npfobable. In all ages the Lord hath had his ChurJi, to all the Church, in which he hath beene worlViipped. But evermore the faith-ire?}, adv. bxref.l 4 full were not to bring their lacrifices to the Tabernacle, or C.I. ^ 4. ell Ergo At- Temple. And if the Lord liad cliolen not that place for iacrifice, It^l'^Z*^"^^■^'^" other fervice pleafinji and acceptable mi^ht and ought to bee

Hlft.iltf.lO.cap. 4. r J L 1

■' ^7 performed mother places.

ruikel\M3tth iz. ' ; -Tl^^J^efora that Sacrifices fhould prefigure all Ordinances Se^.j. The Lords aiid exerciles of the Glwiftian Church, and the Tabrrnacle Altar that was in and Temple the extcrnall frame and conlhtucion of a Church, the Temple, was a is an Unwritten tradition.

tfoutc of ChHits jj. is more realonable a great deale to compare the extei nail once^oSwed^"' ^^ frame of the lem/h Church with the outward order which BiihopEabiN.com- God hath inftituted for the Evangelicall Cliurches, and vvor-toit, neici 0^0-'' ihip with wordiipjfubllance of Religion with Ihbftance, and hxod.»7. tlien it will follow that as the laithfiilland religious/tf»^/

might and ought to hold focietie in the Ordinances of Religion, when many things were amifle in the externall frame and conrtitution of the Churdi; as the Pri .l idle, covetous, prophane, the people diflolute, impendent, rebellious: fo the faithilill in the Chriftian Church mull hold Communion

in the Ordinances of Grace, theugh in the conftitution of the Church the Officers and members much be our of order. The DewAj glofle hath much moi c problwlity than yours. To con- Doway ann^t ii j. ferve unKj/fay chey)chete was but one Tabernacle <fe one AI- ^^^^^ o^Kmgs/ tar for lacri/icie in the wljole people oiljrtnel: VVliea3pon,wlien ^^^' ^'' tlie two tribes and a<5 iwlfe on tiie ocIjci htle /#r<i«« had made a feverall Altar, aJi tlieTnbesthatdyyck w Crf»44*, fu(pe6t-lagKWASt'oF.Ssc ifice, iintpreiemlytoadmonilhchem, eJr. but what end il>aH wc have, if every mm upon his ownc licad ^"S.^^'/'^' ^*/j jpay a^vifc or Coyn? ligmHfaiiow ot Gods Qtdinanccs ? ^"^ S'^f^^! Wlw.t IS this, luit to biiog .n anew worj, to lit up Sacra- Onmk e/^tf%i%l ments upon our oyvn heads J Herein we fay to you, and them '«''f T}?eo!ogka e/f as you to your oppolite; 1 require the voyce of the Siiepheard, "^'^"" f^''*-> n^'^txr Reid It mec out ofjch^i Fiopiiets Siiew ic meeoutof tiie ^f"^"^*^'^^fi'"<^' Plalmcs, c^r. Injheinteiprecat.onQf^theTjvesand Figures ^^fT^^'^^^V-of the Lavv, races judgements if theiScr^Turf goenotbcf-W famdequAgituv them are of (mail credir. t«Uit, &c. /^/ar/w :

de fffon.! Cbrifti p.igc. 61 2.

Can. Stay. Sect.5. Pag.10.21.

Jfthdt he true in theThilofofher.Offofite th'wgsin fMture are ^ ,-

alike ^gajne, Th'^^goodwhofccontrary t^evilt: If Jj^^l^^^ mftp needs foliorces^ that as fome ^ hurchts are vt^blj / b6. true in refpe^i ef faith And «rder : fo etbsrs msy bee true 5'^«w efi cupu coa-teo^havifig outward ordery alheit the members thereof *^'^''"^"* 'fi malum, have no fatth at oH, The which Mffertion i^ not to bee ^l^""''^-^' Mnfwered but Charred. The tenneTribes which d^par- view and enqoVe ted from the Lord, from huTempie, Sacrifices, Priefts, of ihat Miniitery, ^ttary and other holy fignes of hiiprefeMce at lerufa- ^^orfliip and Go- ' lem ; frotn the time and ft Ut after were not Gods C'hnrch, ^crnment, whicli fo the ScripturesJhe^, Hof 1.2, znd 2 fhron.ic.,, fer. ''^7 »f^ at D<t» «e

o J a W J I rr It Betht/i It VTlll 3p-

3.8. ^mosg.-j.^c. ^yidthe IfraeUtes when prarcv,dently,dic

they worfifippedat Dan and Bethel, i»ere not in refpeB of the fame w*» not

faith And Deiirine M§re corrupt^ thati the other how it, mortfalfe, idola-

M^ Ainfworth, ttnd theNon confarmifis, afrmethat "ous^nd anJawful

Reltgion at 11( not better i ham the Other^ ^^ Govemmot

of the Engli& Af-Kn^bhc* is, by the Non-confermiUs affirmed to be Jtrchoams Apolog.in his Arrow againft . Jdolairy. Can M<:fy:.o£.5c/;.p.5j 86,87,88. CoucfcofCoiBfox./'.i6i.x5».

Ans-

(<^4)

Answer.

AriiX dtCdloM.t.

Arift. CeUeg(h\\xM Jtcomtir.

The Philofophicall Maxime to which you have reference is. 7oftto un§ efifttrariorumponitMr d* alt€rt>ni. Bur as yoii cite it, It is as haid to be found as yourtranlUtionif tobcun-derftood. That it is not univerfall, appc.irethoutof <iArift. himfclfe, who putteth down the contrary Maxime as true and certaine. 2^h tfece(far$um efi. Si contrarior urn alter urn Jit 0^ dlterMm ejfe, J^iam fi omnes fint fanitoi quidem eyity morbus ncn erit. So in the firlt Oeation of all things, all things were very good and there was nothing evill. All things created are finite in aft, butamongftth igs created there neither is nor can be a naturall infinite. Truth and falfc-hood, good and eviU, Piety„ and Idolatry are oppofire, and that before ever faUe-hood, evill or Idolatry had any being in the world. Contraries we know expellone another, Or if onebenec^f-iary in the fub;eft the other cannot he in it, ar leall in the in-tenfe degree, as if fire be hoc it cannot be cold ; Now it is neceflary, tliat every tihing created be finite and good as created^ and therefore good bad a being before evill. If itbeob/cft-ed, that oppofites are relatives, and relatives are together in nature, tl^e anfwer is, they are relatives fecundum <iici, as they 4)eake, not fecundum ej[f, which may bee laid to be together in nature; Not that both are in aft exigent out ot their cau-its^ but becaufe the nature of one being knowntr t.'ie nature of the other may be knowne, whether it be, or be not, wheciitr \t may bee or may not bee. W'?e know likewiie, that not only good is oppofed to evill, but evilI to evill, as covetoufnefle t« prodigality and this the Philofopher himfirlfc confeffeth. So that thelepropofitions Hiult be rightly limited or tliey are borh

Thele Philofophicall Rules are impertinently alleJged by you, for the externall order or government and incireproft (-fion of faith are not oppofite, theym^y i^elqiarated inpait, and the) ,nay and ought to be joyned together. Tlie faich and doftrine Itriftly taken may be intire, when the external! order is pure and holy ; and the order maybe mairntd and dcfeftive^ 0Mtasexu<ita.fid vvhea the doftrine i? found in points fundamental!.: And the ''kruu Ecckji^ re- jQ^^ine may l^ce very corrupt and rotten, when die exrtr-

nall

Far. mR»m.io.i<i

Legivtna Vo alio ic-

vif iccUfia. publica, authoritaie ordivis. caufa ad adificatione m^itua. '2^q\»m' fof'mu est ormium ubfg] fjWad.cmH^-

t lall order is obfcrvcd according to the rule- amd therefoTc A JH'irchmay be true in doftrin and protbfTion of faith,<tri6l-!)<• laKf* f when for matters ot order it labours under grta: dt' {•e.ih j"* rh'-'ugb in refpett of outward order and^ottrnment, u catinot be the true Church, when it deftroyeth the foundation of tiie faith For if tlietaithbee taught intirely, and the ^i^^^ ^^ Hofcj Sacramen'S rightly adminirtred, it cannot be but the minifterie 6. Etfi adtrdimtit-in that Church mull bee true fof fubilance, what other de- mmextanimi nihil fefts focvcr it labour under. 'jid^fet, &fepro

Buc if the foundation of faith be ovcrthrowne, or the mi- f;;''^^^/''''''^' niltcry whereunto men be fet apart be ftran|t,e and meerely de- ^^'^^'^ ^^slcymiii-viftd, there can be no true calling or miniltery, butfallcand cwrm Jacerd'ttesad-impure. hnc ntinent ahquam

If this diftindbon of - true Church and Miniftery, for fub- f^'^'M'jfo^niaMtx^ rtanceoF E>o6lrine in poiars fundamental!, and externall cal- r a^'s*^ c ji 'vig andgovernmentj bedcnyedabiolutely, I ihalldelireyou *j», i'i< * to unty a Knot or two, which your felfe have knir. Tlic Scribes an 3 Pharilees were blind guids, corrupt Teachers,fal{e Prophccs, in refpecl of dicirdoftrine: co/etous, ambitious, and otherwife prophaiie, in refpeft ot theirx^mverlation : upon what grounds then were they to bee heard ? bccaufethey were called and f^rdaincd of God, thxr they ihould preach the Law o'' God in the Synagogues to the pcoplc,and exhort them ^ * ^ Suy.Se^. j to the obfervation thereor. Is not here chedilbn^tion of true f^' ^* «^ and falfc Teachers, in diverfe rtfpcdls ? Rebellious/«<^4i& s./'io'n. ^' juflificd her firter 5'4w4rM in lone relpefts, and in lome other Ezck.!6,', 7,4^,49 continued the true Churthcf God. From the time that the ^^^t 11.11,22, tennc Tribes depajted from (he Lord, h;s Temple, Piielh-, Al- * Chro.i i-1^,14. tar, c^c. it was unlawfull 'o holJ comirunmn with them, be- Hofea ^ *6 it < caule they committed Icolatry, and willfuily left the place i. jReg.ia!'io,it which the Lord approphared for liis iervice and facrificc: but 2 Reg. 7.18. rtill they retained I'o.TJcri-ungot aC'i.orch, and wcienottabe ^^'O*-'""^om.u.z,

elbemeJ alco^etltcr as heatiicns as the very places quoted doe ^' ^ ^^^- ^ • '^'*" nr ° J I ^ rnj.ia etiam erat di

That the JfrAtUte^ Wren th.-y "sN'omv.ppcd at UAn and ^e- Uetcor.u^ugirru <^ th>;i, uhen they committed reail liolairy with the Calves^ AttflatuA Siqui-played ri f Harlot upon every high hill, and under c\ ^.y gr^n '^"* Jfraehu etiam Trte, ti^ fo^ke wilfully the place which God had appointed '"^f Z'^^^fJ"^ for lacrjF:?, and ofTered facrifices in places forbidden, rejCvied £f,35 ^ iMxxixs tilt f onh Piisft*, and iraie 0) thebafcft of the people Prierts aitf propbeuibi?m for duL Ici 7icc whicli tUe Lord abhorred : that they were not (iocicjfem.

K more

mora corrupt in Doftrinc and wor(Hp than the Church of Enilcmd by the coi f-'irion of Non- conformifts, is an aflerci-on beyaiid Jl credic. I nsay fitly put you la nnmi> what Ori-C A.M.Swy.5f<!?.5 i^» f^"h of Celjtu his workes, wHigh you apply to your ad-pagt J _;. verfary; Thtie is lo danger lealt any fairhtuU man ihould bec

liibverced by yaur layings; foryoutalkebucreafonnot: yea h\ your ta Ike you keep no compafl'e^buc all men may fecie how gtoflely youmiitake.

MaTter ^inftvorths Aiiow againfl Idolatry, Ihaveiflpf feene,nor know not !k>w ro come by it. B ut if you vu ill bring forch his or your ovvne dares \\\ this kindf,they ihall be; tryed aaJ examined by the Word of God. You are not afraid nor alhamjrd ro write,, that the Non-conformifts affirme die wor-ihip of our Engiih Afl'emblicstohe^ifallband idoIacrai;Sas the worlhip of the Lfraelttes at '■Dnniindi'BetbeL But for proofe, you bring the bare ceftimony of one alone, and him no EngU.h Non-conformift. And li hii teltimony had been truly alledged, can j ou with trudi and honelry charge that upon-all, which you know is-dilclaimei by rnany> i'poken only by one^iid he no member of the EogU h Juxiecies; But that »nc iliamefully abuicd Ukewife, for when he iaitl the Idolatry of thcfe times doth equall, if not exceed thatot Ier§ham^ht intends cl^e Idolatry of the Romifh Synagogues,but accufeth not the En^hih Congregations, as if chey llooJ guilty of thatfin^ or tl c like degree • For he acknowle Jgeth the Giurch of England to be a glorious reformed Church j though in ibrpe things Couf fe of confer "^^ rhrougly reformed as (lie ought. Wherefore, faith he, for ^d£e i4i. cotiformlng toagloriom €h:irch, butinthatipherein JheewM

never reformed. And what wonder if all t he reformed Qjurches €;oiufc of confer ^^^?^ ^^^ /^'"'^ of the l^mfh dehge etiually accompltjhed ? fay: i j j. What greater wonder than that any (honldbe found free of the

fmell of that Wine, of Forn'cation ^ yvhareof ijoej all forfo many. yceres were,irunl^, Auo. Ep. 4$. ^Kts -^^^ P^° ' unnetli over alhioft every where \\n\\ pernii ious^ mnimiMentillirffe I dolatry, blafphemy and fuch like out-crjes, aud for colour of mi.Tivf ali/]uici.7t at- what you lay j,pretend the names of men,wlio indeed and truth-ligoriipoficumprpfc ^^.^^ jj^g^. )^Q^xt% deteft your rad^nefrcandinconfideratnes : Tj'!^ilS^tcL Whereas if you wouU be periwaded to tjlke le{fe,and reaioa mmA giiti Uikne ii^orej and give milder words^^and bringiironger arguments^ ■litt^nntiff cbfQwa?. aiiddealefincerely in theteftimonies which yoaufe^j'oufliould eafe your readtr^ and fpwe your Ccnfcigice,

S'HC»

Section 5. Can, Stay. Se<a.5. Pagj/.jS.

THe IVord preached by falfe Minifters ia not tb^t vord unto which God h4t h promifed a kief ih^ sfencrenfe. Or it is not the ordinArj way ana vfeanes, v^hlch the Serif tnre Jj>e4kes of to beget men /^.S^ ,r * ,,, tdthefAttb, For M a jAlfe forged,onUitutionnt^kes .

a CImrch a. retdl and fubf^MtiaU Idoli, So ^Uhhat comes from it, is iouchcdmth the IdoUtrj of that con-

ftitution. This <i ruled opinion of many Divines ,7 he State makes all the fublikf a6iio>is toh formally good or evill. For at theTjimpU fayiElifiethihe gold, the Altar the offerings: fo the Ordinances of the [hurch '^^"^•*3->7-

Mulder the gofpell are faKStfied nnto m. That is (at Bucej- trnely fpcal^th) i«the ufeof themff?adela»full «««■'''•»" M«.ij.i7 to 144, ir that they hav»thetr rife frcm a trne and right

foiver.

Seeing therefore thi Church in ^ejfion wants a -ight CoMJfitfition it mufi fallow that all fpiritnallanions,

done in it (whether'Tr ayer^ Preaching, Sacraments,

Ce^fures) oi they are there done, are none tfGods OrdU

nances, though true it if , in themfelvesthey are of God,

If tk' fal/eChnrches tf rrhcm we difpnted^ be that fpi- Can. 5tay. SeSL

rituall Babylon mentioned in the Revelation, cap. 18, i s.p-1 j 1.1 j i.

4. then tt is unlavpfnll fir Gods pespU to^oeunto them, ^^- ^^^- *•/• *•

to performeany Jpirittiallor reltgiottsaQion, andfo con' feejMenth not to heare the e^ "But the firfi is true, Er«o,

the later is trufalfo. The f/ropcf f ion needs to prpofoybe-

canfe our op^tfttes and roe herein are cfopir, ion ^li^jTbg

afumption is numifefi by tbefereafons, i. The words ArtopnHs in Fer.

»» the Text prove It pi nine ly', ^[fome cut of her mj peo- 18. /><j^. 1 p 8, }^\ac.

pU^ that is, remove your felves frew all falfe aSenP' ■^''^w*'" Ktfv.18.4

blies, covenant together to walkjn aII the. Wajes of God^ f'^ '"*'''" ^^^' ^' fervethe Lordamdng j^turfelves in fpirit,and truth ^d 'Amxl'xlHZ'^.

returne not from vhence yon are come. Bt$t Ttpent ra~

ther that yee have fuffered your Csinfciences to bee

^- 2 wrought

(6S)

2.Cor>.'. rob.5. jki. Zcch. I x,i7. Botlac. pr<>mpt. al--Ugoriar. cap.ii. dc Minilt.

it is like th.it filihy bird, which c.irr)-eth thii Motto,

efat.

Thcpublidierand others With him have cornittcd apparent Idolatry, maintained k in jbc Church, and fought thereby to pcivert the right vvaycs of the Lord. 'Jd led. i.p.7-rd ■tfi. IS- ?• M5-

•mroH^ht r*p9tt hy cnj urd^wfullOfficers, Andthus doe

fhe Learned interpret the place, namely of fufhacom^

ing otttyM that we mAfn^t be Itodiij prefeut at any of [heir

yrorfhip. A falle Church (iatc ts rightly Jrl^tted to the-

/eprafie fpread in the wals of the houfes of the Lepers,

becanff ofthe:f^ftun«n rvhich if caufei h to the per/otts and

thiKes. Take for in^aMce a Cilie or Towne^ if thecivill

State ■d^ Cooperation, vphtchihsj h vebeufurpedy devi-

fed or derived from a fiff ft pvwer,atl thdr publikj admi-

jti^ratiorts are-HntavpfMll, and every,ette pa.tal(iifg thereof

offettdeth : So alladmiiiijlriitianf done in a falfe Chf/reh

{whether prayer. Preach in 0 Sacramefih, Cenfures) are

■ ftnclcaneaElions.aKddcedcfiteeirerytecei'Oerffftfj, be-

>.'eauCedfthe fdoU State^ yvhuhisdevifednufof amans

braine, and ufad at a mean: ij ^erv^Gvdin it and

by it, . n'-"-^^^*-/',

AH the Ordirtances done after thr invention andtvift of An-

■ tiihri^ can no atherwife be judged, than a brood common

to-.the natftre of the breeders, that /j, ike Dtvifi, and the

whore of Rome, the Fathsr and 'JMother that did beget

fh;m.

An s w e r.

Xevil.i^.ii.

l^t Fai-hfuil a-e commanded to come out of tpiritt> all 'Babylon and not to communicate with her in falfe wordiip or Idolatry, as the Text doth confirm^, and. yoir oppofites grant. And therein it was nefdlcffe to tnutler up the teftiaienies of the Learned, to give evidence in a cafe mainuined and prailifed notofiouily, fc, that we mull flye fioni the foriccy oi Rome, and notbeprefent to behold their worfhip. Your labour herein is fuperfluous, but that rhe N^.tmes of Learned men liei e numbred up, miglit fervc to co-Yc: your nikfednefle, ,when you come to the point in contro-vcrfie, wherein you prove juil nothing at all, " Biit our Churches wherein the Gofpell of Chrift is purely preached and p, ofefled in all j-oiiits fundamentaJl, tlie feales cjf the Covenant of Grace rightly adminiftred, who arc fepa-ritied from fpirituall Babylon in mind and body, and have fled ftom her worllrip andXdolatry^ v/ho ace buik upon Chrift the

C69)

true and firme foundation of his Chrrcb, and by Chrift hitn-felfe acknowledged for his people, and graced with hic .avori-rab.e prefcjice : Oiir Churches, I fsiy, cannot be deemed c^ reputed fpirituall Baby [on, without great in;iirie to Chrift his truth, his Church and Saints. - .

r,y rpiritu?.ll "Ba^yhn inthisbookeof th£-ii!<rtr/4r/»», /s meant Rome Chriftian ; departed from the ftith, guilty of thb blood of Saint«,ft:aif>ed vvith manyroFd and fearfull Idolatries, the mother ot fornications,who hath made dtunke the Kings of the earth with the cup o^ herpoyfons, as might bee corr-firmedby the Scripture it lelFjthe joynt confent of learned or thodox Divines, and tbeteftimonieof Papi.Qsthcnifelves.

Bat to brind the C hurches of Chrift (Tnce the reformation, who have rcnoiMlcrdAntichriftsdodrinc, worfhip, zni idolatries, and emli^wcd theiirtirefaithot the LordJefus, withtb.atodioushatcf-iUname, is contrary to the truth of :(jod, evident reaibn, and the judgement ot all approved godly learned men. . - . ' ■

You milcrably Corrupt and pervert the Text, wfcen you give this to be the lenie thereof. Remove your fclzrs jrom aH falfeA^emblies, coventnt together towa/ksiftal/theWayesof Gotiijervethe Lord among your feltesin fpi'^it and truth, and returne not from whence jou are come. This is not to interprt I Scripture, and learne of them what wee are tothinke, but to racke Scriptures to our fenie, and make them fpcakeac-corduig to our fanfics, which is an high point ot AntichrkUa-nifme.

If you win {land to your principles, within two hundred ycarcs after Chrift, orlcfle, there was not one true Chrifti-an Ibcieticin the whole world, which did walke together in all the wayes of God, and frrvc^ jod in a Church ftate among themlclves* And will you fay, the faithful! r\re charged ot God, in this paflage of holy writ^to remove and icparatc from all Chriftian alVembhes, that then were in the world, and to fcrveGod among themlelves. If Corruption in dotfl'rinejCnan- • nets, worChip, government, and orders, make afalfeal-Icmbly, Rome was a falfe affembly long before the Lord gave commandemcnt to his people to- depart thence and fcparatc themfclvcs.

IfraeHox a time continued in Egjft indBaifyletTt vi^, un-tilLtbcLorifcntto bring them forth- and the Church lay

K 3. feid

(70)

hid'm'S ^yi«»t and that by the providence and approbation of God, long Jitter Rom* was miierably corrupted and defiled. The matter is notorious, and therefore to ipend more words about it is ncedlcffc Hec that confidcreth the ftatc of things, long before the faithfijll Separated inomRome, and what is written in defence of that feparation, which the reformed Churches have made, cannot be ignorant thereof. It to come out of 'BMbylon then, had becne to remove from aU falfe aflemblies, as you gloflc it, it was necclTarie the coai-mandLmenthadbeene given much fooncr, or the faitbhaU fhould have departed without leave or commandcmcnt from \ioa. Can Swv s 15 ^ might fay to you in your ownc words, This is to grati-pu^. 15 f ' fie the crrour of .4/wr/i«w,who profcflcd that he knew more

than the Apoftles. For the Apoftlc> knew nothing of our removing from all falfe alfcmblics (as you uaderftand it) and covenanting together to walkc in all Gods waycs, andlcrve God among themfdves. If this had beenc knowne to John, when h«c foretold the Apoftafie from the faith, and the riling of tl" c great Whore, he would have made more haftc to warnc the taithfull to bee gone out of tlic Churches, and to have withdrawn themfelvs, it being a matter olil ch weight and importance,andiTo needfull to be done, divers hundred ^'earsi>cfbrc it was ever once thought upon,When the words of a Text are piaine, a gree with the circumftanccs of the place, the analogic of taith, and other Scriptures, for men then to leave the native fenfe, and to force a fenfe contrary to that the ktter expreficth, it is to wreft the Scriptures, as you lay, and not to expound them by the true rales andCanotKof Can A3y- § 15 Divinitic. Lay this rule to the prefent interpretation,which u^^^S'-" you make of this paflage in Scripture, and whomfbevcryou

/..rv/^y''w 'p"pu'c accuse, you (liall findcyour fclf to be a pervertcr of Scciptuns, mi. ^t agi( .widui in decree furr- above him. Tor your interpretation iscontra* dt Bibylone f?y!hca, ry tothcfcope and drift of the place, the rules of faith, and d: fjna^.^ga mmpe content of other Scriptures. It lpeai<cs not of leaving ail ad-rflT'S 1**J2« miniftrations in falfe Churches, asyou fpeakcot.falfe admini-ftmdamtnUMYufn. ft rations and falfc Cburchcs, but of fej>arationiiom,fpiritu-' Vix\t.dtplii.Lcci.i. all 'Bahjlon, which was the habitation ot Diyds^and c^cerf «-f »4• every uncleane fpirit and of every uncleane and hateful! bird:

wliich cannot ixe faidof aJQ adminiftrations"whichyouafc pleaied to accufeas faUe- If it may be, fpare your words, and

(70

let us hcare your rea(boj,fbr if they be ongfet they wtfl carry more "weight.

A deviled conllitution (you TayJ is an tdoll, pnd ail that vvintnk dc *o>e.'if comes from it istiuntcd with the idolatry or that conftitiiti- Ko^.'c^'h.^./u z.p^ on. Yoiivvililay, it isai-Mfe Church conrtitnrion, if the ^■k^-SifmiUicm-

X4inifterbee notchoknanci ordainedby the congregation a- j'^<-'*J^_^'ff^<^^'^^^'' loncy vvherchcistoadmiui(}cr;ifaui3n bereccrvejintothe ""ff'»^"^;'-<"'^'*.» tocietje, whoisnota vilibk *!aint j if-any ^d!e,u'norant,9rc- dijlmamL leflc, fcandaloiiJ, corrupt,ufurping Minifter be chofen,ordajn- n-jci, nihil i

uilihcium [k cii.vi[

i CO intfu-

n-h'U m amm

edorfiiftv-Tcd; if any notorious or fcand^oii^perfonheead- ''^'^g'oKe certim fi-

mitted to the ordinances; if any ftinted Liturc^ie, or forme cF -J!'^^/*^ . ^emavekit. Catcchiling, adminiftration,or prayer be ufoT: withfundry SUX/il'^ thciikcywhichinyoiirdlecm, are arguments o^'falie confti- /la^repoerl." ex-tudons. Churches, Mi-iiftene, and Worfhip. Now tcHiis i'i'>ji-^^cr£<'>dihh>. plainly, is every iuch Church-con(lituti©n zn Idcll, and that ^^!'-''^'^'^^eru:tu &■ which is done'in thele Societies unholy and uncL'ane ? If fo, j^f"''^ Tv^Hui'S^ then there was neverany one age, wherein the Church-con- IfrrgJ^mSL L ftitution was not ao Idoll,and the worlliip oKicd perfornT^d m ihtAr^a f/obJi.. in that Societie, leprous, unclcane, poyioned with Idolatry, daa e(}cdisii7uliomu The Temple ianc^iied the Gold,, and the Altar the offering: ^ ^^f "'('-''^'^ ^' '• but the Temple, and Altar are not types and figures or e»ter- ^^'"■•''"" '^-^^'^^''^ , nallChurcI-conftitution. Where doe you read this, in the Law, or the Prophets ? c^c. Afld if yon read it not, how dar<jyouaffirineit» Befidcs, thefanAificationo' thed^lati- Lfr'6.o Num ons depended upon one Temple,, and Altar therein,yet fo as- 7 k. i*Rc^.«<Jj. bot h Temph and Altar were landificd by the oftcring.

But if wc may fpeake as you doe, A devifed conftitution B twofold, I Abloluteand in every refpe(5l-,. wh.*n neither Dodrin<f, Ordinances, ofiice or perfons arc of God : and thisconftitutionisaltogetlierfalfe, anullitie, anldoli, ifycu plcalc lb to call it. 2lnpartcorrupt,.maimed, defedive, but having fomething of God : and that which is done in liich a conftitution is not falle, a nuUitie, tainted witlv the idolatry, oi-'the conftitution.Thisdiftindlion is neither dcvifedjftrangc,^, nor new, but that which hath cvernwrebeenc acknowledged in the Chwrchof Cod, and is manifeft inScripture, if wee take the word,deviled cenftitution, as this Author doth. For Herctikcs and Schifmatikes, though they be notof thcfpcci-^di numbGr of them, that hold the intircprofeffion of divine truth in unitie,- and in that refpe(ft be a faLfc ronftitution; yet as they profeflc the truth of God revealed ki Chrift, though

nuimcd- -

C70 . ■

maimcdlyorinptrt only, and as they adminifter the o'^^i-

nances or Sacraments of God, that which they doc is not a

mccre nullitic.

* Sec T>. T''iid of Hereleis Idolatry, and cannot bearc childi j.i to God, in

the Church, I. I.e. that it is hcrcGc. butheretikes * may bear e children oGod,

14. y^ug, i!eBjipt. i^ ^^.^ they prafcfle and pra(aicc, t'.at which C^riftians

\m. tlTsc^^T' ' cd that degree, order, office, Miniftery; and calling, which is Hicron. aci^'g^- holy, by vcrtue whereof they doe adminifter the holy things

am. ^■titkhrUiuife- gf God.

Atblt in tempio T>th -j-^c ChuTch of Rome is a falfe conftiration, bat baptifmc 'ti'l^tS!'* ^i adminiftredin that Church is not idolatry, nor a meerc nul-" mEuhfu, ut^vtn- litie. If the Church of/Jtfw? were not a Church infoujcre-Hs arb^ti.vnw. {pc6[Sy but 3 mccre Idoll, the Pope could not be that Anti-2 ThcU. 5. chrift, a principall rcbell, a notorious traitor againft Ghri(k

vvhitak. de pr. jf^yg fp-31^ at)folutdyjC. Compare x\tf»w with Cb.ches truly eTCt'cet^EcdiOa C^rillfan, it is no true Church, but the Synagogue of Satan: ); ^pifitu nwfit ve.a But if wc fpcakc of it in bppofition to the Je wcs, of Turkes, tcd(Jt.t,; t'met tar^m or Other profeflcd Infidels,it hath fo much of a vifible Church, ^iquas^arogaiivM ^ a man Cannot fay it is no Church at all; (omnch true %t^lb"^^ doarine is in it, as fufficeth to iuppert the title of Anti-d'iqu9 md(t umpk chrift, and fome ordinances are fo adminiftred, as that it can-Dei mif rep- >f ham- not be (aid, they are meet nullit'es. urn, plus (jicwfi-- l^y t^c true Church many wicked ones are found, that arc mme:tu-.m , pent ^^ j^^^ prophane,facrilegious, enemies to peace, the vaflals ot [uml'&tH^JijTii'a. Satan^pofTcffed by the Diyell,dead in Hn and accuried of God, tckfix Siriptic.a-^, thaiilrc-ctiksor Ichifmatiks, who yet for .huwthey have that eJ(ctr'Upas,6-p'c- order, office, or degree of minifterie, which is holy,doc no iif-uc igwtcLi, uma j^^^ ,-jqj. ^j^j, igff^ effe<5l adminifter the holy facraments, than IZll^'^'&'^c ^^^^^ ^^ aretbefamplarsof allpietieand vertue. 'doCiwim faUuciYcn The faith'ull and holy Miuifters adminifter and receive the kiurhn'. F(i cpux Sacramcnts with gGod profit, ana benefit to themielves and ;//*f quodda'm my,i- others.The..^'pocriticall, with benefit to others,not to thcm--w"'*'//*^ ^'^^'^ ielve^:, Ths prophane being not put fro ai their places, doc llik/fine d'^1,0'lo^^- officiate with hurt to the 11 felves, Icandail to others, but to mllisadfaiute I'fl .bi the evcrlafting Comfort of them that partake worthily.- The bApt'ifmHiqu-tadfttb' hereticall and idolatrous adminifter the Sacuments, that arc ft!oitiam,&c.C2\y. holy^ and in their owne nature, themeanes, pledges, and 'cAii'^silv%*'i^ artiirancesof falvatien, but without benefit to tlicmfelves.. pi%.8f ".7.V 95*. ^"^^'^^^''^'^'''^ thatcontiniininCn. Thus the Prophets^ Apo-ftlcs. Martyrs, and faithfiill,riave held communion ia the Oi-

dinances

(70

dinanccs of grace, with fuch whofe calling and convcrfation was not approved of God.

You fky , the Martyrs firft and laft would not receive this diftindlion, Icf^toiavc their lives, they ftiould lofe their foulcs, aniyo»reckonupmany, who, as you write, would rather give their bodif'to the fire, thanhearc or receive the Sacr? mcnt, in falfc Churches or Societies. But in this you la-vifh, as in every thing elfe, and hide the truth under the am-. biguitic of the phraie. The Martyrs laid downe their lives, rather than they would defile themfelves with idolatry, bte prefent at the Mafic, or joyne the:nlelves as members of that Antichriftian Synagogue: in all which they did, as bccom-mcth the taithftill fervantsof Jefus Chrift. But you cannot produce one Martyr of your opinion, who dcnyed, that any thing of God was to be found in thole Aflemblics, or that re-fufed to jo" ic in the pure ordinances cf God, with Societies feparited from fpirituall Babylon, becaufc of fbmc dchix 05 mayme in their «^hurch conftitution.

In the whole Catalogue of Martyrs, try if you can bring forth one, who in thefe things was of your minde. And what a vaine thing is it to pretend the example of all the Martyrs, when there is not one among them that doth approve your caufc. If the example of the Martyrs be of any weight with you, as here you beare the Reader in band: of^ neceiTitie you muft condemne your raili and prefumptuous cenfuring, your ^

un adviied finfull reparation, from the wori"hip and minilterie ,jj"g°" ' in our Chnrch, as /.ntichriftian and Idolatrous. For certaine it is, the Martyrs ftood members of our Societies, and dyed in the defence of that dodrine and worlliip, which we profeiTc and pradiic. Many words you fpend m anlwer to this rea-ibn, and reproaches you call upon your adverfarie, but one word is not to be found thai makes diredly to take away the force of the Argument.

It was the aniwcr of Frederi ck^ Duke oiSaxonic, who being priibner to C harks the fifth, and promifcd releafement, ii hee would goe to the Mafic, Summnm in urrii T)oim~ r.MfnagntJco CAfar.m, in calii Chrifium. The like did the Prince ot (^ondee : but neither of them did rcfule to joyne with the reformed Churches, becaufc they deemed their Church conflitution defec^live or crronecu?^, in this or that particular. To pittcnd the '^onicnt of'x)piih and protclbnt

L D-

Can NYcef. of

aratiQ

C7+)

Similjcudes bee no fyllogifmcJiEKth-ly fimiliti' 'es of your making, may not coiuroll the hea^'cnly precepts of Gods owiie giving. i?///a«.Chi ill. pirt. 4. pag. ill. Hiyc you no furtr ground of your ca-th/)likc do<flrine f«r adoring lm;i-ges, than a finglc (imUitude taken Jrorrj the civili and cxttriiall reverence that IS yeeldcd to Princes fcatcs and feales? Id p.j J9.

Dh ines in this matter, is cgregioiB ignorance,or impudcncy, for it is wellknovvnc they are all geuerally of another mindc^

Your inftance from a City or Townc, if the Civili power be ufiirped, is not to the piirpofe, nor true in all refp^^fls. Not to the purpofe, becaufe what is of God in thcfe Socicti^es, is. not done by power, m^-^erely. uiurped, but by power aqd vcr-. tue from God, though in the miniliration, that which is c-vill be not approved oF God: for whcrcfocyer any fuperna-turall truth of Chnftian Religion is taught, at?d any ordinances of grace difpenied truly for fubftancc, th)erc isfome truth of minillery though many waycs poljiuted.And where the in-tire faith is profeflcd and received, and the ordinances of grace adminiftred truly, there is a true miniftery for fubftancc ordained of God,what other defeds or maimcs foevcr it may labour under.

Not true, becaufe in the Civili cftate. That which is done by power, ufurpcd, and unlawful!, in iome cai'es is a nuiiitic^ but in other fome it is available and ftands in force. For it is a rule in the Civili law^ That it is one thing to be a true Ma-giftrate, another to bee in the Magiftracy, or to execute the Magiftrates office. From which diftindion, is gathered this generall ruled cafe, or fcntence, That the a(5ls of him that was a t'Mc or unh wfuU Magiftrate may be lawfull and juft. And the fame may bee faid, and was ever held in the Church of God, of corrupt and ungodly Miniftcrs, though they bee not true Minlfters, that is, approved fit, and rightly qualified, yet la long as they be in ihe place of Minifters, the afts of their miniftc^ry be good, that is,effed:uall, and of force, if they ob-ferye the forme.of adminiftration prelcribed by Chrift.

Can Stay. Scd. 15. pag 133.

, Thfi Lordliath net promifed to them his hUJfing anddcce-ftance : tvhat the Lord mt$j accept or willyrve (^ffme not,only thU, I fay, "^hofoever hearer h in a falfe Church , cannot hy any fromife that he hath in the )>Pord of God, exfeSl Gods blejfing on that which he doth: the reafon iSy becaufe a true consil-Htion of a frna Church, th^tis, where men are gathe-^ red according to the. GpffeU af ChriU^ is that only layvfuU religions focietie^ or communion of Saiats,Vphetein Cod will

pag.59.

C75;

ifehoftfiured, thereby hie ^illbeeferved, and "thereto hee hathframijedhisfrefence andaccefimnce,fo then howfoever Tfie are not Iwundunto hearintr in a true (/hurchy nccc/Titate mcdvi-yctsif gods grace vrere tyed to the meanes this'^-ay, yet as they fay in Schooles,l^zcc^\t2itQ prxcepti: if rve confi-der Gods comniandement , fo Wr are hound to Church hear- _ ing only in a true Church^and in no other Qhurch can voe ex- ^^ ^ '' peU Gods pre fence ^^rowife and acceptance. Such Churches unto whom Godhath made no protnife in his W^ord^ to if/ejfe the things there done, ouqht net by Gods people to be refortcd to- but God in his ^ord hath made rtopromife toblt^eth* things done in afalfe church ; therefore Gods people are not togoe Ufttofalfe churches. The propofition cannot be excepted againf^: for, I, The Scriptures prove it clearly, Jcr. 23.21,22. Exod«320 24. Pfalmc 134, 3,and 147.13. A gain ^ there is no dutie charged upon uSy but there is a blef-fng promifed unto the due performance of it. The ajfum-ption is as cleare^and thus ycee prove it.Iffalfe churches have not thepromtfe of Gods prefence, they cannot from the word ofGodcxpe^ his blejfmg upon what they doe, but thefirj} is true, Erpo, thefecond. The Major which is only controver-fall we prove thus. If every falje church be an I doll, Exod. 20.4,5. And God require his people to come out thence^cs, y 18.4. threatnedto deflroy'it, Rev. 20.8,p. andreilldoe it, andpromi/e his pre fence unto his true churchy Mat- 18.2c. Then he is notprefent In thefalfe : B'^t thefrfi is truest here-' fore the fecond.

AnS WE R* You ftrugglc hard, as all men may perceive, but fet not one foot forward. Our Church j<; an idoll, therefore wee muft not hold communion with it : God hath promifed no blef-fing to his ordinances therein, becaufe the Church is an IdoU. This is your circle wherein you walke up and down. But to helpc you out of this mire,if it may be : i. Where you take it for granted that our Church is fal(e,and therfore Chrift is not caiTi^ 6 prefent with us; wc on the contrary are affured, that we arc Rain.Jc i'dyiola. I. x. a people in covenant with C hrift, to whom hee hath com- c. i f.z. mitted bis heavenly oracles, and feales of the covenant, a-mongftwhom he fcedethhis flock in greene paitures, and

L 2 caufeth

Rom-'t 2.

C7^;

caufcth them to lye downc by the ftill waters, with whom he Wjit. 1 s. lo. is prefent w hen they meet together. He hath fet up his tabcr-

lAoi.ro.M- nacleamongftus, anddwcUeth withus, and watcheth over PiM. 154.? us.ind vvorkethbyhis Miniftcrs, not only to call men unto

joh. 10^.5. ^ivation, but to nouiilh and build themlorward unto life e-

•YOrlaftingAVc are ieparatcd from Idols, wee hcare the voice ot'thc true {hepheard^and h)Ilow not ftrangers, but fly from • them ; wc believe in the Lord J eliis Chrift For ialvation, and worfhip hiin fmcercly, according to his will. He ftandeth at the doore knocking, and to fuch as open unto him hee com-meth unto them, and they liip with him, and he with them. And therefore Chrift is our Shepheard, our King, our Saviour , and of his rich grace and love doth embrace us ishis people, and rhe flock of his pafture, heareth our prayers^ and accepteth our fervice. This is our glory that Chrift is ours,and we are his, and it were better for us to dye, than that our glorying herein lliould be made void..

Secondly', feeing this tear me, Falle Church, isfo familiar

with you, we will confider what it mcaneth, and how farrc

it doth ftand true, that God hath made no promife to blelTc

things done in a falfe Church. Thefe words True and falfe

J Cluirch^are uled oft to (ignific, as much as pure and corrupt,

Ibund and languifhing Church. And as there is fcarce a

Church fo pure, whi Ji hath not lomc impuritie, nor lotrue,

which hath not fomc falfhood admixed;fo there is noGhiirch

fohl'c or impure, v^^hich hath not fomewhat of God, or

lome iupernaturall Cuiftian truth within it. For it nolu-

pernaturall Chriftian truth bee received or profeflcd, there

is no C hurch. Infidels being cleane without the Church,,,

deny and utterly rejed the principles of Chriftianitie. He-

retikes or falfe Chriftians, in rcfped of generall traths which

they openly profeife, are Chriftians, or of the Church, but

in rciped: ol their particular errours,. condemned of all men

that be of lound beliefe- A Church is not to be eftcemed fallc

for faTie corruptions, nor impure for Ibme dilorders, no

more, than weaccount him a fickly man who now and then

findesfome wearineflc or diftemper. Neither is a Church

to be accounted true, becauic of fome truths which they pro-

^ fcfle^ woiihip, which they pradlife> or ufe of the Sacrament^

AA'M^'*^^ • -which they retaine. The notes of a pure Church are, intirc

profeflion ot the Golp4Jij and iaYing;truth of God, the right

ulc.

c??;

ufc of the Sacraments, holinefle of convcrfation, the found preaching of the word of life, fervent and pure calling upon Gods name, fubjeAion to their fpirituall guides, whereby they may bee diredv^d and built forward in the wayrs of Bph. 4.11, t *. life, mutual! communion in the ordinances ot worfhip, and Chriftianfellowrhip with all Saints, and true vifible Churches of Jeius ChrifL '

Ihoic Churches to wliichalhhdfetTOtejagreetrueiie,are CO btc elU.t'tned pure in rheif tr.eafure: but diole to whom all doc HOC a.ree, or no: fotuiely, tlieyaretobeertecmedleffe pure or tru., and rhar m compinfoii more or IciTc according as more or fewer ot cl>e(e note', common, Ipeciall or proper,lhall be foi:nd more or leHi p, ire amoiiglt them.

Where all clitfc notes are ! o be foUnJ pui'ely, the Church is excellent tor deor^e, pure andfimous ; where any of theJe is wanting or impure, tlie Chjrch is fo much defe6tive or ira-jxjie, chout;h it may be pure in comparifon of others.

Ths profefFion of tl>e tpue faich, and the fi amine ot our life . . aad cdivtridtion according to the oiretiion ot the word, with ' '

the right adrniniftration of the Sacraments and comely order, are fignes of a Oiurch i:\ a good llateand condition. But it I*''*'*».Mat, ij. may fall out^ that the proklhon of farfh alone by pubhke ,^'Vi\& ^-^^a*' preaching and hearing of the word, adniiniftration of the Sa- ^f* ' ;',* *^ craments,prayers ajid thankfgiving doth cake place,when good ordfr is negledted, and it life degenerate from rhe profefllon : for in this calelh? ceale^ji not to be im- true C H V R C H of Chrif}, lo long as it pleafeth him noc £0 give her a Bill of divorce, rr O'Jiii ion:-JiO--'^

True doftnne in all paints, and the due and riglit adminf-rtrat'on of the Sacraments in all things according to the word both for fubrtance and circumllance, is the note oV a pure Church, and ingoodphglit, BattrueDo6hineinthe maine grounds and Articles of faith, though mixt with defeats and errours in other matters, not concerningche life and foule of Religion, and the right adminiftration of rhe Sacraments for fublhnce, though in the manner of difpenfationfometh/ngs be not fo well ordered as they might and ought, are notes and markes of a true and lound Church, though (oraewhat crafed in health and foundncfle, by errors in doftrine,co:"iuptions in, the worlhip of God, and evils in Hfc and manners.

A falfe Church is thac which hold^ neither the truth of faitb

(78)

■ innfcly, i>ot; the integrity of divine wor(Hp, nor comely or-.4pr,,which (God hatii agpoiBted; for the gove-nmenc oF his bpijte, rv)fhol'i*^^^of>coiwerffttiofl. Bucaddetluothe Ar-tic?2S of faith, to that which is worfhipped, and to the fubfbn-tijll rncans wherby God is worQiipped,and to the holy Com-mandements, which God hadigivenforthedircdionof his people, or detraftethandpervcrtcththe rightfenfe of faith, not confidering that which is worQvppedas is meere, mangling the Ordinances of God, and tiansterming the lawful! manner of worlliip into another forme, and inverceth the holy Cotnmandement by corrupt glolfes and linilter interpretations, which deftroyedv.the life and power of godli-neflc.

One falfe Church may bee more corrupt and rotteri tiian a-nother, as being more deepeiy tainted m matters ot higher importance and more generally than another; as Tome may bee corrupt,in mattersof faith, others in dofttine and wor-

Icr.2.11,15. ^'P W^^v ^M ^.'"^ "^ ^^^ ^^^^particulars mentioned^^Thus

2«eg.i^'.?.iS^g. I/rael wo'rdiipped God and the Calves, yea the Lord and

i8.zi.Ezck.i5.20 Baa/.

^ And as one falfe Church may be more corfL^pt than ano-

pa?e 62 rid not ther,or at one time than anothercfo one falfe Chui ch may have

the Pricfts rulers^ more of God m it than another, and at another time. For

and people con the leiTe grievous the errors are which the falfe Church hold-

demnc the Pro efh,or the leffe abominable the idolatry which it maintainerh,

phets of God fcnt jj^g'^^ore divine truth it embraceth, phe more eifcttuall is chat JTot Srm 7he^wor{hipof God wirichicret^^^^^^^

holy City & featc The true Church ot God which is comparatively pure.-rriay

of the Prieft-hood t)e called fallc though improperly, in rerpe6f of that corrupti-

guilty of their on m.doilirine and manners, errour?, fchifmesjdiviiions, lu-

bloud ? ^^^*jj perdition or prophanenes, which through humane frailty and

vile and gr^?ldo negligence cleavethunto it.

latry pradifcd of • , , , _ ,

ten in fudah and fcmfalm by the Prielts.and Princes ? £2.ck.z j. 11. Did not ifUt forfskc the Lord and turnc their Pares from his Tabernacle, fliut the doorcs of his hoitff,c|ucnch his Lamps, and neither burfl lncen!e nor offer burnt offering in the SanAusry, unto the God offfiail? 2 Cbro.%9. 6,7. Z/rial^ the Prieft made au Altar Idolatrous hkc that in Da-tnafcusy and polluted GoJs Worfliip inthe Temple, zKcg. 16.10, 11, 11, 16. T^ifm-xhc fonne of Immcr the Prieft bcin^ Govcrnoor.in the Houfeof the Lo'd peifccured /^rf^;^ for prcachingthetruth,.^fr.'ao. I, 2. andj;im,felfeprppheried lyc^, vc. 6. See/i^:5*.3.1,

And

(7P)

And a falfe Church may comparatively be called a Church true or pure in rcfpeft of them that be more groflcly dcfilcd,as it hacli more truth and purity in it.

AUo che true Cimrchcs of God Iwve iometimesbin dift»n6l vi(ible lociecies trom the talfe Churclies, a-id by many degr'^es in themlelves more pure from tindhire and infecUon, than at other times an i lome others have becne. As in the daycs oiP f^yiah, Iniah was by many degrees more free from pollution rhan afcer wards

In PumIs time the integrity of Rome was fawiouff; Corinth many wayes reproved: They of Galatia much more out of fquare. But the true and Orthodox Church hath fometimes beene fo m)xed with others in outward fociecy, that it hath beenc hard to Hnd in the whole world a dillinGl Congregation of lound and intire profeflbrs of all rupernaturall truths, who joyned \m the ulc oFGods Holy Ordinances, but the members of the true viiibie Ciiurch were difperfed and fcattc-red, an i mingled witli falfe Chriihans or falfe worfhippcrs in fociety, and the true Church lay liid in the hlik.

Now to ^pply thtle thihgs,

1 . If by a falie Chui ch you underltand a Church erring in points of faith exceeding dangerous, and corrupting tlie pure worihipof God with reall Idolatry, with whom the faithfull may not lawfully hold Communion: yet then that which they have of God amongll them, thoagh not rightly admi-niltred, is effcftuall by thebleflingor Gob according, to promife.

As Baptifme adminiftred by the Heretikes holding the forme of Baptifme, and of Popiili Pnells, is true Baptifme,and not to be reiterated. For one and the lame Ibciety may m one fenfe have fomewhatof thetrue Qliurch, and in another bee the Synagogue of Satan : and their Minifters exercile the Mi-nirtery and fervice of Chnlt, when they thcmfelves bee the bond-llaves of Satan. It is true, God threatens to deftroy fuch Ipcieties, and is highly difpleafed with the fervice that is done there as luch^ becaufe it is not done as it ought: but as he is plcafed to continue his Ordinance, fo lie is pleakd to give it force and validity j^ccording to his iuftitution. And it is not llrange that C.d iliouild bee diipleafed with a thing not done according to his irjiitutioo, when the inilitutionit

(Zo)

I Gov.j.g.

1 Coi,6.i, z.'

2 Cor. lo.io. I Coi'. I $. X z. I Cor. J.I. iCor.ii.x^>zo.

1 Cor. 11. lOjZi. 4mbr.in i Cor.H They ftoodftrir-ing for their obU. iion%. titer, in X Cor. II. InEc ckfia coHvenientti ob^atl~nei fuas fepa~ raiius offhehant. Apoc.z.4.. j6.-Apoc. I. 2o,ii.

Apoc.z.io.

iclte hec do:h approve .'.n J '"lefle to fomc accoiding to his free covenant.

2. If by afalfe Church you underftand a Church maimed aiid corrupt with errors in doftrin and manners,ncglcct o^ di-Cipline, dilbrders in Minifters and people, then as o^cafiop may bee offered Chrtfl hath bound thcfaitht'ull tobce pre-fent at his ordinances in fuch Affemblie.«,and promifed to blefle them that draw nigh unto him therein.

In the Chiuch ot Corinth there were Divifions, Se6is, E-mulations, contentions and quarrels; going to Law one with another- for every trifle, and that under Infidels. Pahls name and credit was delpicefully called into queltion ther?, . the relbrreftion of the dead was dcnycd by fomc; that wic!ad» ncffc was tiiere wincked at, which was not heard of among the iieathen; the Lords Supper was horribly prefaned, things indifferent u^ed with offence, Pornication not repented of, and idolatry pra6lifed in eating meats facrificed to 1 dols in the IdoH Temple. And all tliis notWithftanding, the aflerablies were kept, the faithfull frequented the Ordinances and God did blefle ciiem accord ing to promiie. Ephefus was extream-ly decayed in her firlt love, and though threatne< 1 to have her candlcllicke removed unlefl'c fhe repent, C^nft doth never lay his charge upon the faithful to depart from his Ordinances. Of Laodicet* it is laid, that llie was nei her hot nor cold, and then we may eafily conceive Ilie was overgrown with cori up-tions, the proper fruits of neglijjc nee, lecurit}-, felfe concei-tednefle, <^ c. For which unleffe ihe repent, a terriblejudge-ment is denounced againrt her: and yet t!)e faithfull are never exhorted to flee from her Ibcicry, but to repent of her/inne, ai.d the promifc is made for encouragement, that if they open unco him, hee will come in and Suppe with tliem, and they with him.

If by a falfe Church you undc il.mJ a vifiMe focietj'jwher-in the farre greater part is corrupt in the profcfllon of Faith concerning the Articles of Religion, and in the wo iliip ot God, by adding and dctrafting in the fub/tan iail meanes, and t-ansforming the objeft of worfliip it fclf c; corrupt in the calling and ordination of Olfictrs, the forme of government, the Officers fet a part for the worke of God, and the lives and con-verfationsof the member*) of that ibciety; If inthislenfethe faJle ^hurch bee taken, then it may and hath fallen out for a '

loni

(80

Icng time togctlter, that the true Cliuf ch of God hath lyeti

hid in tlie falfe, and that by Gods allowance and approbation, rieM af tbe chttrck in which cale the L OR D commanded the taithtull to be l(it.i.cap,%. prefent at His Ordinances, and promifed H'* blefllngunto them, though adminiilred in a corrupt Cliurch and after a corrupt manner.

The true Church in corrupt times hath been mixecf with the falle, not as a6tuall members of that fociety as corrupt,but astheyhavebeenhidin that foeiety, as good Cornc overtopped with Weedes; or a little gold or purer metall in a great clod of Earth ; God oF his infinite mercy lb providing for and prefcrving his poore people.

In iime ot the Judges the IfrAeiites did every man that jutjocs i.'j6 Scpt, which feemed good in \vs owne eyes, that is,worlhipped God £o?^p7o 'iv^i iv as lice pkafed. The Prophets teihfie, chat the Church did not '6ip^^i^oi(iu/7Q only taile in J/rael, buc in Indah like wife. I have brought up -^dbujm locifimiH-Children and they have rebeJed aeainrt me. Ah fmfull Nation, '"'^f"' ^V ""■ • a people laJen with iniquitie, a corrupt leeJe. How is the fuuitmahh'yege. faitlifull Cicie become an Harlot ! Thy lilver is turned lofeph. lib! s. c.2. into droflo > '""d thy Wine mixed wi h water. They (hall » Rcg.i9,io. be confounded oecaule-of cheii Oakes wherein they delighted. ^?^'^ 'j?»4-The Land (viz, of/«/^/;)is filled with Idols, they wor- fp,";**' ^' iTiip the worke of their Hind5,the Prieltsfaid nor,where is the ifa. i ,2^5,4 1122 LcMrd? and chey that iliould mini, tfr the Law, knew mee not 29. Ifj.fr,? E«, faith ihc Lord. TheTasIorsAlfoofeH^edagainfimf^andthe '4j^Ici-.2j,8,i4 Prophets prophefiedbj Baal, andwittt aft.r things, that did not ™ 4. M > i4- ^^^ profit. My prople have chaMaed their a lor y for that rvhich did ^' 'n ' ^' ^^ * -^*' mt profit, U'dy people kdvc committed tyao evils; they have liixaix^iyiisaijof^i forfaki^ ^"^^ ^^^ fountaine 0 f living waters^ to digge t hem fits, tJj (idctx. even hrokcH pits, that can hold >70 water. The honfe of IJrael Vc/fe 26^17 w confounded, they, ^nd their Ki^gs^a^dtheir Trtnces, and vetle ijr. their Prophets, (aymg t6 the wood, 'Thou art my Father, z/^H cfjoH have foi^Jakenme^ faith the LO RD, Her treacherous Siltcr Itidah feared not, but went and played the Harlc alfo. Tiie backe-llii-lmg Ifrael, hith juftified her ielfe more :han treaclie ous/«/^<?. And as lliee was thus horribly corrupted Itr.j,8,ii,& n, with Idolatrie, lo withprofanenefli', impenittncy, impuden-' ^' ** ^l^^' 'f' cie in finning, rebellion, <tubbornnefle, ^>pprelinonjaiid what icry^i'& 6,15, & . nof ? But when all thi/igs were thuo miferably difordered, 7, 28,& ^, i. iTay the faithfull in 7t*da did not fepa-'ate themfelves from the Or- >' 7» h 4* dinancesof Religion, or withdraw themlelves into a diftinft

M vifible

C80

TJfiWe-focietifi from rhe reft, la the agcbeforc our Saviour*

Mat.S^.Maif 36 time it grew exceeding wickeu agaiiie. But neither did our

Lake 7.4,5,9, Saviour, nor his Dif. pies before his death take u(X)ii tnem ta

Mat.4.2 J. Mir. i. ere6l a new vifiblc Churcli alco^ether dUliiici from ihe erring.

21. Luke 4. 6. SvnaeoPV.e, but lived in dut Church and-frequcnted cheOr-

lohfl 18.20, Luke ,' ° ^1 iri i ric

a. »2,57 41 dmances, neither as abloluce members of th. Synagogue, nor

y«w. mi^md. in Bel. yet as the vifible Church diilinft from ir. But 2 s viliblc mem-

tomr. 4, B.i.c.16 btri of that Frimicive Church from whicli tliat Synagoguciiad

■^ *■*• degenerated.

-.. , I.* the New Teftamenr, the Apoftle tel leth us the myfterie

Revel. 1*7. ^ of iniquitie began to worke in his uayes : whereby he under-

iniquitasfcdmyfl'.ca ftands not common herefies, and corruption of manners, butr

ideftyfitMUnommc fome great and hidden thing begun inthe.Apollks cimeto

palliata^ Ghjf. »rdi creepe on by degrees, not luddenly tavaai(h> but to contmuc

Syr Myfferium mi ^^'^ "^^'^V ^g^s,and to grow into an exceeding high mounraine^

qui 'jam indplt efi As the myfterie of godlinefie j which began prefcntly after the

caxcfe^ ''' fall, took it complement by degrees, and that at a ccrtainc and

^Mf^UeJlvkarfa appointed time: To it was inthi&alfo, whichatthefirft was

operandi, rion autem fi„all,bur grew as things durable by degrees into an exceeding

pfntm>[2.hbT6. hu£eSigne{Te. The fpiritliath foretold, that therel-hould come

cap. 7. an Apoftafie or defe6lion, n.t from the y?ff2w<i» Empire (for

i^e/)'ch. '"H^yeiTu. that was not oppofite to Qirift/ but from the taith, and that

H£t-Ta<rvjtvci,''j7w, not light or in fome particular point, or for a fliort time ('for

frapaYatiir,adoim |- j^ HxreMckes there had beene already) but grievous, gene-

cu^^ci ^Hoddam rail, and of long continuance.

deSiyiria: , quod fi

oxcoi fumptumeontrarlumCufidei, Chm.pansl.tom. 1.1. 16.cap. f ^ . »Thcf, j.j. Hcb.j.i?-,^ Matth, fj..2 5.,3 9. i Cor. 1 i.j. i?,i5. Jun.tont.^.iib.i.SAp.i6. Cemalisdccefuo fai ^poHaJ/adicitur uniiofalls aut cmmimis.. "Jnizr.fa'cmntgama fo-re^ fempaigiturcmLakCuiy quamiii Uitns. Comfmriem fo>€affirmamus,nt (>ffim;it Paulus. kr. 28^16. & 29, gj. Sepr^

That whkb the Prophet Itremy, when he fpeaketh ®f falTe Piophets and their Prophecies, calleth U"lD, thatiSj as-the 70;. tranllate it, and the thing it felfe requiretb, adeclia-ing, a revolt or Apoftafie, not every oncjhut tliat to which the: ^^Utbority of the true God is pre*: ded.

And fo the departure from tlie faith is not a rcvoltto Gen-j Tim. 4. r, s. tiliiine, but a giving too eafie lieed and attention to fome do** ^]^v''''*TJem fto»5.profeffing, yet indeed corrupting th.- Clrriftian Religion^ vefu^voca^iq; -^s when it is (aid of Patti, time he taught Apoftafiefrom the « t>to vir»; ' ' laW}: the ^4f;aning.is 00c that he bad cevolied to the GtnpiUi^

o<" dcnyed the MdTias, or the L?.w or the Prophets, but that

under rrecencc of the MefHas he had poHuteJ the purity of the

d'o6h*ine of tlie Law and the Prophetg. This Apoftalie theu

was fmall in beginning, encreafed in ti.tifi and grew greater Aftt ti.ir;

■and greater, not perceived at firft, not oppoled by godly men, Nck paim dc(iliti»

at poflefled the lucceffors of holy Teachers themfelvcs. This * *^"^> i^tiisadma'

corruption of ^lic faith was fo brought iu by degrees, t'^^tche ''*^ fi^f^* fi^ f^

mod vigilant could Icarce difceine it, when it was firfl lowed* ^d^Zditm- "^

The fucceffors of Godly men received it, and tlie godly them P. Ramm Epia, td

felves for a great while groaned under it, for it was a dande CMolum utharmg,

iline Confpiracy and oppofition of the faith, notdirei^Iy but ^"•.'y7o. pequin-

obliquely, not rn exprcfle tearmes but by conleauenccs. ^.y*". chriftofecH-

- ^ ■>» »■ "' ^ in, prtmum vcrcc/Ji

UHi'im abfcederent^efenequkraatq; dete>ma. "Uffh-de fkcccfi. ca.i.S. ». ^mi^dla'prmlpil Mynerium- miquitaiu peran c^ptrit, ut muandummn y?/, fi ficMliiftdfequentibM WTtnuUa de-ih-mK fomfici^ ^t^ama Jeufm &finc fe}ifuJHCcrev€rmt,a vttmbui iUityaiuidpr efmim czeniibtu mnui anmadverf^. Eufeb. Hijf.l. ^ cap. j z. & lib. 4. cap. i z. Edit. Gr^c. 7^/cepb Hi/i U ca. I. -^quc Mum qiapr^cejjenm vmutmaffecutos, wqut Ua fimplUm. utmrnkricorMn\ «rmoTWn amfecmcsefje. ^■'^ '

So that of the firft fifteene ages of the Churd, of the Nev» Tcftaraent, that cannot be denyed which Qtirolm Lotharin" gM the Cardinall uttered in Perftaek reffonfione ; That the iirft was golden, but the rcll, the further they departed, the worfe, and more corrupc they were. Whiles the Apodles lived the Church remained a Virgin, pure and unconupt: V\xt within the three firft ages from the riling of the Golpell, her health was aafed by errors in dotlrine, fuperftitious abul«$ crept into the worfhip of God, breach of comely order in Government, and otfences in life, whereof we finde the Pa-ilors to make large complaint It cannot be dcnyed but that they that fuccecded the Apoftles did excell in Piety and God-Jincfle, but withall it is moll certaine tbcy did neither attaine the vertue of them that went before them, nor teach fo purc^-\y and truely as their mafters and inftruclors, as ^^^fhorm obferveth; And what is fai^ of Homer inanothermatteri? not unfitly applyed to thij ;.urpofe, few Children are like cc theii Parents.

The liberty of mans will and dignity of workes was too

"much advanced: M-ny thought theloulesof the juftfiiould

not (ee God until! ♦iheday of judgement. The Sacrament of

tkc Supper was miniftl^a to igfiintj, which ab'ife is reformed

M 2 by

CH)

by the Church of Rome hei fdfe: They dipped the Saerameii*-tall bread into the Wine foraetimes, and fb adminiftred thera Clem. Alex./?>•«?». together. They carryed it home with them, and laid ic up in lib. i.T.Cyep/.i (CheftsJto be received privately; Wine was mixed with water fai,. 7 4' MaldpnA, -j^ ^^^^ adriiinillration of the Sacrament of the Stippcr. Deacon* *»lo,<X Cyyr.dt ■■ ^ .'-...

mia. Han. apol<^ ^-^'Cyx^^lih.!. cp.'i adCac'ilium orep. (^. & fpifi.^6 Hicron. inMaK f<i)> lA- ?ol\doY deinveiitir.Tcr.\x\y.'<,. cap.c,\. Infl Man.qu.ii%. V>M. deSpir.Sanf^ Of the cantramHe about the Peart EiftcF, Scefi«/c/^. lib. y. cap. i^. yoc^ow.I,7.cap.i-y. Secrat.t 5 wA^^i. Altars broughc into the Church by>'>m»i the(cccft^dabout r<5y. S6^ &wi(^* oiw/'^ii. i-.^"^-^^- '^'^'^- Kcacan. j. ^'£>/» 5/;^o./7r/w.£i?/;ii'. 1563V Which others thinkecaaiemtp die Churfch about die j'carc,.5^a. .

preachedj, Women Baptized, Baptifme'was rtained with lir-t>erftitious rites-and Cecemonies in daily ufe^ many ritefs and Cuftonies praj6liied which liad no grpund rn the Word of God, and fundry things obferved as Apoftolicall, wliich were diredlly contrary to the ApolUes Doftrine or example,. Within two hundred yeai'cs after Chrift, there was crept into the Church many idle Ceremonies, and the fimplicity of Clirifls Qrdinances refuled. Each man as 1)€ had either crtdic or authqr-ty,^ piefumed of himfclfe to adde fomewliat to Chrifts, infticution, and th&6elh delighting in her own devi**, ces, deliv'cred the fame wich a ilrait charge, as if Clirift Him-Tet-tuL de corm. ^^jp^ j-^^^ ^ ^j,^^^ order for ir» InTertuUians time we may find ^' many' ffrange inventions taken lip in Bnptifme» . Three dip-

pings in the Water"; Tafting MiJkeandHoiny; Abftaining . from air other wafhing for a i^vQti night after. In CyprUvs Cyfep-n-adB6W' ^^^^ i\\txQ wasconlecration of water, andfuch eilimationof C^Tdebpf.T^^ oy^^^S' ^'^^^ "^ man was thouglirtobeca-Chriitian,. thatwai Eufeb, Hijf.l.^.c. 1 baptifed without i't:.of the memorial&qf Mart)rs, and whac bl'^miQies apJD^ared m thr converfa^fl Qf ;Chriftians^ wha y^jfi^Encad.7.1,4. Ii5 may read ill ^y/iri^tw and otherslr^j iiUj' :..■ i .■y^'- -NudafuJt abmtie " j^ the tlnee.agesf9Jlowine^ though thadoftdne of fiilva-^0 ?"7e7Jir tion anct.fubftanceof.Gods Wonliip^; was-maintajiitdinall hlbeas^lmappa- ^^"'^'abentaJJpoints,, ajidtheOmnipotency of thePbpe;was -Koiu^ flofknowne,. npj^mages-woi'r- jped,o^heScripture wa&read

afimd. Hift.iccleC andPrayeirs maJje in a knowne tongue;. the Sacrament of the anu j..l<j^c.ip.ii Supper was adminifired to-the-Peopi'^ ia both kindes * meni iTaTfmZmt :^«^"^ci> andJCbildrea had free libetty > jreadthc holy Scrip. mmfiipcrfiiuvfmm pilTiEs^.the Saty-^^^nt was^^^

s^immbm. '^^^^i'^9^^^^^ 9h V^l^^^^H^^W^)^^ feed s ©f Anw

tidiriil*.

tichridianifme were fowed and began to appearc in Tonic ftrength. The ftate of the Church was lamentable, the cor-

^niptions many aiadgrcat, both in refpcv?!: of doctrine, worfhip,

'government, jandholinefle of converfation. The Paftors ot hhod.Ura.cem.A',

this age Tpake more unwarily of jiiftificationj and grace, than cap''6.co'.4%. ^ub-

was nicet, p-nyer for the dead was ordinarie, the foundation ^ '^' ^^gi^ Mag>fqu&

of prayer unto Saints, was laid and defended by the teacher:; tra^hums humar^.

<tJienileKes> w;ith ovcrgreat zcafei^riin the Inpcruitioiir vi ,^ ^^^^ {^^ \^^

■gils,, and frequenting the Sepuldbb-srof Mar tyrs» The for Aug. EncbixicUep^

iner prophanation of the Sacraments by Inpcrftitious riter "o.

muchincrealed, fome whereof are abolillied by thepapife '^^^y^-fo^-^^fdpop, . theml'-Kes, LibcFtie is taken firpm the Minilters, theBi- /.^^ "* *'^'"'* '■^' jl^ops contend among tbenfelvcSy with ambition> hatred', ch.im.'r^^^.'ow.t ajfle,ding high titles and prcccdencic', ■ .nore than the good'ot 0. io. c. y. Jcc. i ^. X3odsChurch, thepleaiurcof peaceand^ecuririetookeaway ^^'hiuk.de'PoMiK all care of godlinefte. Now th:y feeke the reliques of Sain^, ^'^^J^^f'^ilAudi-goe on piignmage to lerufalcm, confecrate Temples to '^!io\^^.l'j .g^ .Martyrs, efteemc it more religion to build certain e pl'ades /.c^n^d, i.^i^^ and to.pray ill them, .than in others, and to live by preicri- ii'ocrar. lisi. 7. Z Jettons and will-worlhip of Monkes, &.c. thau to:walke ac- "• About the yeas, cordmgtotherulcof Cods Word. Now they t^ive them- ^^^j"' ^^f Konunc fclves to corrupt religion, with idle and impure rites : Ima- Biniops^'^Mt Ihe ges that were not mentioned in die fird and fecondages-of c^acd funaien'&r the Church, in thqioiarth, fiftTi, aii^driixt'agc^ Were brought degenerated, int«o into the Church in fbme pcWts, painted upoii the wallet, fc^ fcclUar tukj Eufcb.. tained for HilloricailandRhetortcaliufe,- to informetheun- "j'^^^'^^^'^Mt-L^. dcrftanding,and ftine up devotion, and of fome beg^n to be Soal1?'.i.f.8 12 worfhiped,which9'^<?g/'9'himfelff diflikai Monkeskcpt &/.^y.ii.' thecommunion at home, .tnd wiili^$a$Jriefl:,Gommunicate ArapB.^</i,r>/;(;<:«/. themielves. No.publikeaffemblidicb&lie found, in which ';i' .r :

the ordinances of God did Houriil uitipriy. Angtimne com- T'1'!/Ti/f' t plained of the multitude of rites and ceremonies which were* c.iifh.diop.Ji'lilj,. m his time,wherewith the Church was grie\ouily burdened^ Pref.to'the reader.' but in the ages following, was mudi more intolerable. ' Of »-'"raiciL./>^y7/.?. 2.. the particular flips and errours pf the ancicnt& it is nbedleflfe ly^.y.7,£i:(,6.Mf. to fay more. . ^fj^l:i^u

Here J would demand, was this Church all this while lci}*^z[adsLtad

ifi^ f:().cp.<p. Aug.c/i;. 118,119, Si. CarwK^fuw. Ccncil.fel.Ai- lu^'m Mariy,Tcitit(l!tvti ClemtwK&mn--B«4, L#(3««/wj and others, Were of opintcMi,'that no patticulaf judgement paiicd up9nth?>

M 3 %m '.

(M')

Full^ anfwer to the Khcm. in Eph 4. i j All the tru5 Bishops of the primitive Church for

thus comiptedjtlic true church oi Chrift or a fals? Was thctnic

worfliip oTGod performed in thcfc aflcmblics the true wor-

iTbip.or was it pernicious Idolatry i'lf^a true Church,thcn a fo-

T. c.rcfl. I .pag 7 3 cieticvvherin corruption of Doftrine and of the Sacraments,

hurtful! Ceremonies, dominion and pomp of the clcrgic.-new

orders and functions of the Miniftcrie, is to be ^ound, may be

the truP! Church of God. And what then can you obje(5l a-

gainO; the Church of Engiand, to prove it afalfe Church?

If a falfe Church, thcn^tadlcr the faithfull werevbound to a-

voide all focietie and fellowiliip with it in the ordinances,

which a fobcr minded man will no affirme: or all com-

uvc ^.nurcn ror municating with a falfe Church in the ordinances of

fix hundred ycares God, is not pernicious idolatry. The faithfull which lay hid

afrd more, after in this Corrupted ftatc 0^ the Chutcb, and did partake in the

Chrift,jn alUccef- ordinances of worlhip, were never held and reputed I-

uj?T»d °therc7o*re I" the ages following the myfterjr of iniquitie did grow were anceftors of amaine, for the worfhip of Images firft began, and after was our Church. la the concluded, the Pope obtained to bee called head of the uni-!-.„_.: »r» f_„ vcrfall Church, Saints wereinvocated as MediatQrs,the Communion v/as mangled and delivered in one kind, the merit and.digniticof workes ac^^anced to the prejudice of Godi grace; the dodtrine of rcaii prefence, and orall eating of Chrifts flefh in the Sacrtmant by good and bad, and the ado^ Ca/fih.3gun^Mar. ^aj-jonofthe Eucharift, wastaught and received. ThefegroflTe

later times alfo for ,cvcrycigc wee cm name divers pa-ftours and teachers even in the mod darkctimcs, &c.

preface to the rea dcr.

Oieg.epinJ.j) i»-(iict.i,c.io.j. • Concil T^cen.t, but th3t Councel was not generally .tc-ctircd.S'gtb. man. 7T?

corruptions prevailed for a time in the Church, bcbre they were concluded upon in Synods or Councels, oppofed by iome, condemned by others, and manfully withftood, efpe-cially the worlLippf n* oiPiI>mages. During which time the faithfull who condehlHi»ei>f*'efe abominations did \iz hid in the Church , kcepihgithi felves undefiled from thefc cr-,,,. rours, but feparatcd not themfclves from the ordinances of

^9^ Hmden con- grace, nor gathered themfelves into a diftinc^ body. '"^J^< After thefeabominations were concluded,thc firft that fc-

F^ioTtl^^cUutch parated themfelves were the fVal^nfes, Athigenfes, or poorc l.l^cep.%. men ofZjrw/, who withdrew thcinfclves from the focietie

See Cd//f/;i/againft of the Romane Synagogue, and worlhipcd God in diftind: Mtrt.a-t.i.f. $8,

Biljfon Chtiftian fiib?f<a, part4, page ^^6, 117. This wjs about the ycare of our Lord n60. Set rfferdefucecjf. Ecclef. IMoryodhiff-'altleKfa^ lytitha Lydiataft^X.hAo-ncr crid4) Ecclt/i par t a s fr^' ^ *

com-

(S7>

companies according to his will. Thefc arc rc|x>rtccf to be men ot^'iounci life and godlineffc, by the teftimonie of very e-Dcmies themfelv js, ix)t\vithftanding they were moft (Tisfnc-f'ully tr.iduced, and srievoufly perfecured fw Chrifts fel*?. . But after this feparation made by them, divers other god* fy men did patiently endure the tyranny of Antichrill and groaned under that hcavic yoake, bewailing the miftiv, anA reproving the Imncs of the time, (ought ro recfeime«tbcry, anid labour to keepe their owncfelvesnree, bu^ did not a^^-ii-ally fcparate from the focietie. And this (as the learned judge) was done, if not by Go'^s comma ndemcnt, at leafl: by gracious mdulgence. Vntill tli ^ time of the Trent Councell"(faith one) the Church althGnigh oppugned with crrours and deceits of divers kinds, opprclTed. with tyranny, did not patiently endure the t)'ranny of the Pope, and the impiKfency of the Irraterculi. And though oftentimes l>efore they had thought of feparation, yet they could never efied- it, untill that was fulfilled which the Scripture had foretold".

It is here to be further noted, that neither the iVitldenfts, whofirft {eparated, nor the reformed Churches Which in after times caft ofFthcyoke of Antichrift, and abolifhed his I-dolatry, did make fuch a pare and oerfed: reformation in all things as was to be defircd. And . icreforc if they be meafu-red by your meat-wand, they muft all lye under the cerrfhrc of feife and i<:k)latrous Chwrchcs, who worQiip God with a falfe and Idolatrous worOiip, or elfc you muft confeffe your great words of falfe Church and falfe conftitution to bear no weight, or to be a meere flander.

' If you will td us diftin<ftly what yon mean by falfe Churches you lliall fee your whole building to fall of it lelf. For, if yoti underftand therby every Church/' \t labours under fome'dif-order,or corruption iii gathering and conftitution/loftrine, or difciplineit \s apparently falfclf you mean that the better part may net oft ly hid under the worfer, the true Church in the comjpt,whichmay joyncin tbeufc of Gods holy worfhip by his approbation and wi i promifc of bleffing, • then the propofition is crofie to the mainc current of Scripture. If by a falfe Church you underftand that whofe do<5lrinc and wor-ftiip is corrupt in the very maine grounds and eflcntials of faiti: and worfhip neccl&ry to falyation, yom alUunption hath bo

truthinit* ' "^

May

If flirepe m a pi-ftuic, where vcne-mous licarbs ate mixed with whol-fomc, can by the inftin(ft of njturc make choilc ot ihit which is pre-per for them> and nbft.iinc from the Contrary i what m.irv.'.ilcis it if the flocke of Chrif>, vyho know the voice of the true Shcphcard from-th; voice of ftraii-gerSjfijould by the gLiid:.nce of God$ aflilhng fpint doc the fame, Chalov^ credo. Cameron, dc Ecckf^ta^ cUjchfrn, otc Field q£ the eliurch./.5,'"<i^6,8, CmUioii defcri^t, .

cm

Vlay you therefore be pkaied here to take notice ef that C Kn St^y. ag. \vhich you oblcrve j as a cleare difference bb^ecnc trutH §. 4- p.} J .5 4- aoi fallliood, betwccne Cb-'ifts inftitutions and mem invent t'ons- Whatfbevei: God will have us to doe or not-to doe, hcc Prov.8«7 iayes dowic '"he fanrie openly, precifcly, manifeWy. All the

X Timothy 4-1 vvords of hiS mouth, ^,rc plaine to him that underrtand^th. The Spirit fpsaketh expreily, &c. that the truth is fimple and p.!. inc. Ethnicks by the light of nature, could fufficiently fee ■•''^,.*'"^, «"• into fuch things one dfthcm touchtr»g.this matter faith thus. The truth is fimple and plainc,andrjeeds not varictie of wind-laces. Another of them ha-Ji thefc words, That phrafeorform Gv ri>inndTo;n. of {peaking hath truth in it, which is wommon and ufcd of all, w£ Ep'ft. stcpL. haying-in it nothing: craftily devifcd, neither cloakiag fome o-ltcom;nctV^o.fto6 thec th}in§, than is profcflcd. Contrariwifc when Satart muc'h|>rerumption fpcaketfe by hls iuftrumerJts, he'fpeakcth io a«rNignoully, and rtid frow;rdrieflej ^loakedly, that one kiiowcih not how to take it, nor which thcr ^ Snd his Way to apply it. And fo you goe on in many words to the like owne,thoughicbe purpofe, which if you will apply to your owne manner of falfc an.l notighc, dlfputing and alledging teftimonies, You fhall difcover your thanyceld toano^ {elfc to be the decciver,whQ afted: ambiguous and equivocall th?rs deeds an ^pgo^hes, and fceke by mifts, and fogs of ftrangc and unufuall ■fcefiit not truth to arguments and fentences wreded to a contrary fenfe, to maintain your ce- bjindc the eyes, and puzzell the undcrftanding of the fimple.' dit.God will fur For yon hide your felfe Under the termes of, falfc Cjiurch,

!|!ff J'"f '^'^''^-. ^^^^: miniftery, talfe Prophets, falib worOiip,flying from ido-pLcT!''^-^"^-'-^' latry, taking heed of idols, d-<?. which you have taken up in-Co?u'"'!t'fiEpe!u'ickrA 3 peculiar fenle j and running along in that ftraine, you per«{

pafiorfi i^cre pr.Ji-/,-, vert the Scriptures,Wrong Authors,con:ound things-^tob&'^I'-'" &n9>if:vinroflf)r ftinguillied, difpute fophiftically : and whiles you'bbaftoif ^iTwZi^n^'^c clearepnoofejdivine.precepts, example and pradice of fi^e-; f4T.fclId^^ ^I'ci fa!:hers, from the firft age of the world hitherto,pofitions hol-%mn:fira:me//?, ope- den in all Schooles,written in all bool-s.prcached every day in mioKcmquc ipfins. Sermons, taught in all Churches, you doe only raiffe a duft to Hieton. odYidio- ^^<^{\q the eye:, for let the matter t looked into, and youiave" Zno.msEp:fcnpi nekher prcccpt Jivine, nor example of godly forefather »o fmtep'fopi: ancn- julhfiejiourkparatioa. What you teach hath beenc ever-

de Pcl,um,fcd lu. ..^ilCvu'te -u^rif-'j ■:■■ <' ''

dara cmifidcra Grat. x. q. j.c.T^nomna. %.clc^aliquan^o v:JtM')iieft,: nm iai)ium cumde-

fc6tlbus mdtii in docliinaidifciplKa, facyjimcnlis, ■ &.admiiu^/andi rMifac^ Jid <ui^ cnyr, v.-^rm

prj]lmsfnhivifibilii. jdjKdikWsit.aicr^vtm.'iiyVb ii&Ecc!c/.''- -'^ ^'"•- t^";-^''^ - •

more

(89)

jnore condemned in Schooles, cryed downe in Sermon;, dif-allowcd in all Churches of the Saints,fi:om the VC7 beginning to this day. ^

Can. Stay. Sec.5.pag.41.41.& Seca. 6. pag. 86.

To heare Antichrjiian C^mificrs in their unUyvfull affep^-hlies, isfuperfiitioH and "^Hll-yporjhip. Therefore it is Jin to doe it. The firii frofol^tion iigroMtdedHpm,'Lcs\t. 10.1,2. 4ml the fame ts wti * OMt exception. The fecond propojition is thns proved, l. From thenatttre of fHperfiition^hiehis AS ZJinchkdefcriifesit , a taking into the ^orflnpof God morethanhereffuiresinhisvforjhip. is According to the Schoo/emcn,thatiifuperfiitij/t, vchr4 divine Tporjhipis not txbihitfd, either to the perfon itfljould he, or not in the rvay Li. i de cult extern, fy nMnner it ought, ulnd this is held to bee a found truth oppnf.col. j o i, ^ o a" hj all Orthodox D ivlnes. 3 This hearing cannot be free of ^^l- ^« -* ^9 ^ii^r^.\ fuperfiition, in regard men are prefent atfalfe tvorjhip. The vihichprefence (as the learned Write ) is a certaine commtu y'^-'*' C'^'^- f • P'%7 > fticatton therewith, 4 It is a freat fuperffition to approve ^'^^°^'°fy" "kcs countenance^ or gtvekonoHrtcanyofthe^ayes of Antt' aicc,wliich isnot chrifi. They that arefmcere chrifiians (faith B .Xcr) can- gioundcd on Gods mt abide any thing that ii his ^ (^c. 5 It is vitiousand ^or<J> andisftria: fuperftitiousto fymbolize )X'ith idolaters. The Scriptures *'^"^'"' heeisjtft forbidh, and the Saints in alt (tges hmje rarefullj/hunnedit. fJmeTh aki^/ fhu' 6 Superftiticnis committed,^hen mereeflimation is had of which is written/ a thing, more dignitie and excellency placed in it'^ and more ^"^^ this is thcii regard hadto it, thanijodallorveth, or can Band with his "^^^l>oIi"rcun-UV//. ^^^^'J Mtniftcr*

for edification.

• t / T-i L • A J L- • /• • • 11 . . ^"'^ ^ ''"le before

in the fame page. The hearing Itood tor, i$ a rpirituall eating whh Idolaters, and me cannot receive the food without pollution. And page 80,81. Herein men vrorihip God h "v and in a way and mcancs which Idolaters wiJl hare inftituted. ^ ' ''

Answbr.

You rowlc the fame ftone up and dovvn^ Is there any thing h«i for fubft^icc, but wljat hath beaie repeated oft,

N but

But not proovcd once> You talkc of fupcrftition, faUc Wor-jdiip, idolatry, giving honour to the wayes of Antichrift-, and fuch like great abominations. But if we call for proof of thcfe ar.cufations, you arc glad to fly off, and ta play Icaft m fight. Superftition,,''^-e 'a uriTnip, idolatry isunlawruU, that yo-can lay, and no- .nan will deny it. But that it is falfe wor-{hip, idolatry, ir faperftition to hold communion in our iiicmblics in the ordinances of grace, in this if your bare word, will not be received, here is nothing tobcarc you out.

This reaibn therefore, that is, foi the fubftance thercol nothing but a new furbifliing over of the fame broken ftafFc,. mi^ ht well be parted over in filence. But left the credulous reader fhould conceit it isflighted,bccaufc it containicth lomc matter of importance, I will in few word^ lay open the weaknefle and vanitie thereof. Firftyoutranflatc the School-mans words (ydCHi nm debet, vel non eo modo quo dehty^ay improperly, when divine worfliip is not exhibited, cither to the pcrfon it flioulc' be, &c. and indeed make his fpeech ab-(iird or fcnfeleffe. For it was never imagined to be fupcrfti-tion, not to exhibitc divine worlLip to God, but Atheifme or prophaneffc rather. You fay,, /upcrftition is that which is donc/^tfra FiatuMtHy when more tftimation is had of a thing,, more dignitie placed in it than \s meet; which is contrary to the not exhibiting of divine honour to God: but this is your common pradicc. 2., Yourrcafens to prove itfijperfti-1/there vYcre no tion to hcare Antichriftian Minifters in their falfe aflemblics mere but giving o- ^gg you llile them ) arc none of the beft, though all ihould be bedicncc ta fuch granted which you dcfirc, for though ir be no particular or-impofed with a nc*^- dinance in rcfpe(5l ot time or place, yec it foUoweth-notthat tcfluie upon us,& it is fuperftition: For if for fubftance the duty be of God, it that mcercly for may be donc without fupcrftition, when it is not in partlcu-canfcicnce of the Jar Commanded, May not the cafciall out, that it is free for a-* ^u'^r^ inlcdthe man whctfecE he will heare the word at fuch a timc,or follow x?!on$wUh fu er- ^^ dutics ot his calling ?' and if hec doc the one or the other,, ituioa. A difpu:e info doing he is not to be deemed (uperftitious^ To place o-againfl Engl, po- pinion of ncccflltic, holine{re,,or wor(liIp,m that which God pifli. part 1. ca. J. i^^j^ „q^ inftituted or fandtified, is fuperftition. But to do this \l'c 10 i^efij ^ ^'^^ ^^ which is commijiided or allowed of God,, cannctr' 29. Aug. confif. CA. i^Jt" caHed ft-pcrftitionjt^cugh in feme particular circumftance. di^fc^'wmubm. ?»boYe mentioned,. it b^no particular ordiiiancc; Vou-iay,

who-

wlhofocver takes tohimfdfe a practice, which is hotgrotm- Chcmnit. trxm' ^ed upon Gods word, and is ftricft therein, heeisjuftover- ^'^*"'" ^•'^^'J'-^i' «iuch, whydoeyouad.ie, (:ind lis ftri^ therein ) if every caijrn aemef.re. ad (imply not commanded i^e fuperftition ? forw.Ecckf.'^aum

Andif byfuch hearing a man did u^;"rs)^c> countenance, p'-itarmur obfervatu c»r give honour untc any the waycs of Antrcbriii or did fiin- ^■<='f^^'!^ 'i^ homi-bolizc with Uiolaters,yetcouli not this h-aring be cordem- f«^^'i"^'f''.>';i^'f-

jfied as wiii-worfhip^orfupcr Htion, unleflethebreacf;of e- erm-.&cCh:

amic:

very commaudeaient be will-worlliip, or fuprjrftition. Men panjir.ioK.^.dc ehs.

may be fupcrftitious, in the uie oF Antichriftian rites or devi ^-^iC.^jfeCi.s,^'

xcs, and (o they may in the ufe of thsir ownc devices, yaa of ^^^i'^'^^'P>'*f:7-rn'.

the ordinances ot God them(clvc5. But whoibever doth dvTir H^^llilVtcs

counttnancc or approve any of tl c wayes of Antichrift, he is to dcvHc formes of

not therein (though heebreakc the commandement lomeo Religion in dcihu-

thcr way)rur)9rft;itious or a wil worfhii^per. '^'o" of 'he t wh

3 Iffup': ilition be committed when more eftimationor ['"^jj^ foj<^concilc

regard is had to a thing, than God alIowe*h, or can ftand with ihl'the"may"otU

his will revealed in his word, beware, left you convince your bee lulled aflcepc,

Jfclfe iupcrftitious in an high degree. F( r when you magni T hey may not prc-

lieyour Churdi order and conftitution as an ordinance of f^'^'bc religion a-

tbat abfolute neceOltie, as that God cannot lawfully be wor en^cndc^n^w^rtu

flipped, in any other focietic or aflemblie, and that none o desof ia«!i, iheJ

thcr Church is true. You place more excellency and dignitie muft not ftranglc

in it, and give more eftimation and regara unto it, than God ^^^^ ^ "'^ vvith er-

alloweth in his word. I miaht adde, that in many particulars '°"'»°.of flucklc it

t • • ^ ^L fp • J ^"Cn It IS revca cd.

you advance your owneunagmations J as the neceflarie and ^i^^^ j^ miylet

holy ordinances of God, which i^ it bee not idolatry, at loofcthc bridle of

ieafl is iiiperftition in your language. Obfervable it is (you conuptioa, e-^c.

fay) whereas one EvangeliQ: letting-downe the Tempters ^'tthcw4.9 words to Chrift, (aib, worfliip me, another hath if, wor- l^^^"^^" ^^ '^**

ihip before me, lliewing it is all one to woriliip beibrc the . chronV 11• i <

Divell or to worlhip him. Whereupon you adde, now hee i Cor. i o. 20

isworfhipped when Idols arc worfhipped, oranyfalfein Rcv^.io iTim.

ftitution is objferved, or pra<ftice ufed; which if it was true, ^*^ I {hould not feare to charge you as a pernicious idolater, or worlhippci: of the Divcl!: But J will nof make ufe of fuch

leaden weapons, For it is a raoft notorious and grolTe abfur C a N.Stiy. 5*^.4.

ditie: For if every hllc inftitution and pradicc bee the f"^' ^^'"^ worihip oi the Divcl,it mulfc ncccffarily foliow,that every J^^ ror concerning the worQiip of Gccl concerning the c( m-mandaucntsofthcfirftubk, i?;the\vji(hip ol^^thc DivcU,

N 2 ^ which

Cp*)

wbkh a CklftiaQ (liouldbluth to ipc^kc, ind abfeorre (& heare.

4 In your cftcemc all Churches arc falfe which are not c J .fiituted after yout manner, and all Miniftcrs Antkhriftianj who are not ailed and ordained by that particular congre gation where :'icy arc to adminiftcr: and being fo taken, • anfvver, I c is neither fiiperftition nor will-worfhip t'>hearu Antichrifcian Miniftcrs (in your ftile, but indeed rhe true lawfull approved Minifters of Jefus Cbrift ) in their AfTem-blies. To heare or to communicate with them, is not to approve or honour any Antichriftian way, or fymbolize with idolaters: buttoapprovc^inaintainc and^crciic piffelythe. ordinances of grace,toyccld obedience tc '^ods commandc-ment, to regard^ honour and efteeme what hee aV': weth and honoureth, and to worHiip him, both for matter and manner according to his wilL The precepts, promifes and infti-Amef. Bell. Ere: v- tution of God,the apprwtd pradlice of the Saints, from the iom.iU.dcEcc,zo-^ beginning ofthe world unto this day,, doth plentifully war-Tt^Ue^ino'ioVhi' ^'^^^^ ^^^^ pra(fticc a be holy,profitablc and neccflarie, in re-?!.'■ adcfl, dumde- fpecft of divine inftitution. This doftrine hath evermore been Koi^ra'-w ribi Jit profefled in all Churches, defended by Orthodox Divines, f hriftus. il/eautem taught in Sermons, received by the faithfuU, and moft i^Iainely cxtns efi cuiciia » ^q^^^<^q^ by [hg Scriptures. But not to repeat fo many thing* ht Inter 7 • cjnckk- fpoKcn already, I proceed to examine what you have to lay ^yny^uap'-nt 7. cc out ofthe Nonconformifts againft our Miniftcry,,in refpeif?' of ^f-i. their orders and degrees*

Section 6.

Can, NecefT.ofSeparadc«i^ Pag, y.

IF the CAlttng andoj^ieofth^rlftfhops h (as theNoneon^ formifis fay It is) ofthe eanh, falfe, diveU't/h, oyintichrsjii--an,^c, then it folloires ^ that the cAllingMd office of the-t&hie Ministry mttfi fieceffariiy be of the fame yiatm-e^eptalitie <<*&^ ^ondition^ tit Voityofthe earth^falfi, divellipi^ and Amichri* fif^i &c« f^hifh hwhliji 4tH Vfdfi'^mfP^rfbffhiyeifiveS) ffa/^

ttndtaktsitiifeandifeifjgofhonlj, and tto "where eIfe, For If

their l^ijhofs have not a rightpoveer in themfeives, then CAn they

not transferre it to another, tyfs thsla^Jaithy Nemo poteft:

plus juris transferrc in aliam, quam fibi competere dignofca- 1emf.jurh.7yr

tur No mm can give more to another, than he hath 'jimfelfc. If

Corah, Dathan/<!?«^Abiram, W-hen they nfttrpedthepriefihood

And goverrment of the Chfsrch , fjoiild (by tku falfe power

vhich they ajfumed ) have ordained fame of the people ur.to the

Priefts offcc, no doubt all the Tfraelites ^hich feared Cod^culd

have judged tljeir place and fi.inding unla>vfHU, ht.auje they,

v'hich made them had no cornmiffion f-^»m God fo t\. doe.. Tne

cafe of their Ministerj isjuflfo.

Answer.

IP romc things of men bee mixed with that whfch is c/ God^s the holy Sacraments witli humane rites, andhir mane pompc and glory, with the MiniCtery that is from above, a prudent Chriftian muft feparate or. from another, and not call: away what is of God as a nuUitie, fruitlefle, ui. -profitable, aefiled, becaufc fomewhat humane is annexed to them. Arcidentall defers orfuperfluities,injor about the Miniftcry, doe not deftroy the nature and lubftance of die Miniftery.

In the office and calling of BilTiops, two things arc to be confidcred.

1 The iiibftance of their office and Miniftery whcreunto they 3re feparated,to wit, to preach theGolpeU,difpenfethe Sflcramentsandadmiriftcrthedil'ciplineot JciiisChriftjand

this is of G'od. Hieron.j;;.^j/f. a^

2 Theluperioritic they ta^c or challenge over their bre- /"n'^l'%,\\tond7r thren, which makes not a difference or nuUitic in the Tub- p^;^[ ^^ pa^^:^\\l ftance of their miniftery; and this is of men. AH Minifters 519, Cilv.trafUe of the Golpell arc fte wards of ]elus Chrift, fet apart to doc nuif^^om. ccdcf, hisworkc, wherein if any one iliall ckiUcnge more than of Caivini*/iJ^./.4, ^,^ right appertainetb unto him, or doc vA^t out of pricic, parti- zlnlhZ'T-Vr^'e. alitie, finiftcr affedion, tyrannic or fe<iitioti: or recciveth piumcoU7ii,?^3» fuch authoritie to hiinielfc alone,as bclongcth not to his place foi b„ I rcnic, /. 2^ arid office, or is common to many; hi that he is blamcw'orthy: /^oj',7 ;8 j^j ^ °» but thereupon his Miniftery or minifterialj afts doqcby him^

wc not made voi4c aiKldf none effcd. ■ "^

" " N 3 Tte

CpO

The inftitution of aChriftianmanf. oi 'he Sacrano. of O.ders. Jc\r'elaBol. def.par.

9. diy.i. in I Tim, 3. in I Titn.hjm.n ^u.ex u:roq„ Te-fimm'9 ca.ieo.

•Foib. Ircn./.i.iT.U

prop.

Carleten dt Eccic

si.°p: z8j. 184.

D. Field oi the

Thus the Church of England, at leaft the ^nmemain-tainers of Religion, againll the Papifts have caught, That there is I'ttle or no difference betwixt a Bifhop; ndaPreC-hyter : to which purpol? leypfU cites many paffagtj outer the Ancient Fathers; as of ayfmbrofe, there isoneOrdina*-tioh of a ?.uTiop and a Presbyttr: Chrjf, betwixt a Biihop and 3 Presb'/terthere is almoft no difference. Au^» what i;: a Bif>:cc bur the »Srft or chiefo,Prc*byter.And both Conforniifts and Nor conforniifts agree in this, that minillers rightly qualified with gifts, and preaching the doctrine of falvcUion purely, bee the Minillcrs of lelus Chrift, whetherordayned by Bifljops or the Elder(hip. They that hold Bishops by Divine right greater than Presbj-.ers, .ndthir the power of Ordination belongeth untothf^nis doc y t : .lov ' dge Ordination, given by the Elderftiip ro be true,oy the ju i^crnent of the CachoUke Church. And they that maintame the equalitie of Church/^i^. 5, C.J9 BiftiopsandFresbytcrsbythe Word of God, deny not thofe Th^re'beina^tcat Minifters CO be of God, who teach found doftrine, andfecd rcfcrabl^cf ^" e- ^hc flocke of God corrmitted to their charge, though they re-twccn the Pope- ccived Ordinatbn from Bi(hops. 'ome and Arch-.

bifhop, I meane having regard to the bare fundions, without refpefting the Dotflrinc good or bad, which they uphold, there is yet great difference betweene the perfons which execute them. P.Lo»jbardl.^. fin.din.i-^. Ca^reel. in ^.fent.d^fi.z.qtf.i. Epifcopattu nonenaliii.s difiin^ui ordoafacer-dotioy Bonavent. in^fent. di$,i^,(irt. ^. qu.i- 7b. ^qul 3. .fupW. a». AO,(>rl.$. , . . o.._

The learned among the Papifts themfelves freely conteile, that tlut wherein a Birtiopexcelleth a Presbyter, is not a"di-ftinft and higher order or pcv/er of order, buta kimd-of dig^-nity or office and employment only. Epilcopacy is not another order diftinft from the Priell-hood,laith CApreoim, No Prelate hath more concerning Sacramentall power, or of order, than fimpie Priells. So ^rmachnmu. As conce, ning; Saecrdotall order, and things that pertaine to order, they are eqoiU. Thus "BftUrmins himfelfe. Although a Bifhopand Presbyter are d (linguilhed, yet as concerning Sacrifice they cxercife tliefameminifl^^ryj and therefore diey make one order and not two. fyanm gotdifurther. All Biiliops and Jwply alfo Presbyters are of equ*.l power in-refpeft of /urif;. TehoK.'de'clyj, ij diction, although not of execution : which executive exe^* E I, jC 14. CHfa?}. ^ife is (hut up and rellriy nf d by certaine politive Lawes, And co?3^rd,Lix.I i. lohannes dc FArifijs^ d^potcfi. "K^gal, & Papd*€4,10, Some

%

ArmachX.i i.Dotn. nSotcl'io. dcjud.

eiej^.diSl.ii3q-zart^ "Durand. in ^yftnt. difi.i^iqu J. SHplt, releiit contr, i

fsy a Fresbyter lurh tlicfatne power in his Parilli, tiiaca Bi-fliop ludi in his Biocefle. From which their conrelFion it will evident^ follow that Minifters ordained by Presbyters, to-whom .Me caie and government of the Church belongeth ar*^

trueMinillciS. ' Jn Alexaadm ^<£

And hereof the grounds and reafons arccvideuc. Iroi on all e/£-)//,the Prcl-tht one fide it appearech, the Ancient Church did not hold her byters gave Ordi-Conftitutions to be ablblutcly effennallto the calling o^ . Mi "3"o"^ when & Bi-nifter or to the A./»;».r.ir'; thereof, as if the omiflloii ornon i^nl^lguM «>blervation therot did make them no Mmilters.oifnops by the Af/;i;rnfe both con-Ancient Conftitutions of cli? Churcl. were to be crduined by fcflc. Ambr: ad three other Bi hops ncere ai.^jo3^mg: But inftance" there be ^P^- ^^ ^» .''■%u^. manifelt, that the C Tch h^th dilpenfed with thefe Canors. "^^f; ^cTif/rT' Tdagim the F - (as - ,?4/»/w wricethin vtV/J ?eUgi\)vi^s Vcn^dn ^CmiL eonlecratcc .t woBiihopsonly, hhAnnesdefernjio^^Bo^ ArdaLtnf,x.c.%xm nm de Ferentino^ ^ tyindreas T^nfhyter de OJiiff Evagriw ^ffrie. cav. .6 BiQiop wasconlecrated of T^Aulinu: onely. C^fofes reftfing ^^^•*' • '^ £^f^/>4»f* to bee ordained oi Lucius was created Bifhop of them who i'^'^f ^""j a^^'^'' were banilhed into the mountaines. ihc ii Ahopsct France c.S Tlxodoretbi^ only Dionyfimoxd7L\[\t^ It is an humane conftitution, faith lib. \y ai. Jebames CiLajor, that a Bifhopflaouldbeordaynedof three^ Sgcratahifi.l^bf^fi inventedforfolemnity, notasabfolutelynecefl'ary. Trefh ^^»^^' ten or Elders were ordained by the Bitliop. The reft of the j^Td^^i^'Z\ Presbyters then prefent laying on their hands But feeing 3i /„,f^' ^^f>.'; olfon • Ihops were greater than Presbyters, rather by the Cuftomcof Panf:t*o6p.6Si tlie Qiurch, than by divineinftitution, this was not limply re ^''^g • »> ''■f^*»*»«/-quired to the eflence of ordination ; but according to the Cu ' * '^^^^ ^■ ttome and Ecclefiafticall Ordinances. Ihe Chorepi/copi ^Ko cf^l^Xp'^^dfJf. who were nothing but Presbyters, were allowed to ordame ^ j,«, 14, c^W by the 1 eave of the Biflicp. 9 j, w« .• y.

And on the other lide, if they bee not lawfull Minifters Gratumipar. t,f,^

who receive their Ordination from Bilhops, the Churches of f^iij/'^lf^'^f/*

God throughout the world, have beene deftitutc of lawful! c,t^r [{''cha^t

Miiiiftcrs for tlie fpaceof thisfomaeene or fifteenehundred pa>i}ir:Tm, i,lyi6

cjp.4,S.^. luni aumad • in Bel dc clmc. c, t 4, mt.t^ &^i^ j'iot. 591 Ch^v^ikr: IbiJ : c,6, /. n. Sed Cathelici mgaut eDnJqf{Cf/tia^& fdunl pcjje ULi omnia extare in ■,t:€d'iahxrtji,t'- inter yipffiaias: ^fdfino^i nfgariiTjcipienc yifoHatiC, cur Fa'-rhu^ cur ejus Mecitnas, Jacob'^'DavnanmcCaydinalii, not: renuncitirunt Eaptifmo apud noi (quos iUc difputat ^po/fafiagtfeciljej recepto : &HonjuJJirtmJc dmuotingi ? Author, impcrfeft.opcr. in Mit. hom. 49. Ornnmhtec, qu^e furJproprieO^ihi mvtYitatethabcnt &harefei il.'tt infchithm .; fmUna £ ccltfiaj,fimi\ita & , m SaiptPiras Divi-vas :J/miliiei- Epijfo^os- c^fterojq; ordi/fes cUrHt^u^m ' fn-MivU-tKb'VsJifarf^ &i^ttrtormia^Cic, . ywresj.

ytares, which tb« Non-conforcnilts will never aflstme.' As 5^wtf it felfe iS a Church, as the Church is oppofed to Turkes, and Infidel J jinci as Herecickes, Ipecially they whole opinions Can Stay.'§. i] are not»» y^«'>tf (as they fay) pernicious, are the Church : So pag, II, in Rowf^ ;'.nd Arnongft Hcrecidces, lo much truth of Miniftcry

is fou9d, as the a6h they doe are not voyd altogether and of none effeft.

The doftrine of the NicoUitans (which was, that adultery aaJ lornication were do finnes, and that men might com-nwnicate with the kcrifices of Idolaters in their Idol Temples. Ife>t,/,i»c,2j, Epipharj, i, Tom. i.) Was not (you ;Lay)in the judgment of the Churches at P,ergam»s Sc Thyatira efteemcU as a thing th'';: mig^; ^ net be br-i withal. UPer^amtu and Thjfatyr4,(o grjevouily corrupts' ^ true C^urches^ThQ receiving of Ordination from the bauds ot a i^jvhop doth not folcaven the Miniftery as to make a nullity thereof,or make it unlawful! for others to joyn therewith in the worihip of God. 'P. Aurtom in^. A Bilhop oidaincd per f^ltum, that never had the C rdl-

Sent.difi, *4'^>'-* nation of aPrelbyterj can neither confecrace aiwl admmirter Gapwoiu*rf//Z.;»j the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, nor ordaine a Prefbyter, Ciifi. cmcord: himfelfe being none, nor doe any a6t peculiarly appertaining cathtU lib. x. to Presbyters. Ordination tlierefore is refcrved to the Bilhop,

"P> 4. ' ^ not in refpeft of Superiority in degree of miniftery above his Memijrfm /«j» <#- brethren, for ii he be no E resbyter he cannot malie Presbyters, fedcupk^Tpn^^^^^ ^"^ for order iake and to prevent Schifmand divifion.being for re dim'^m,conturbai iubftance of the fame order and Confccration with tliem. If corpori.. crdlmm to- (,pe member in the body challenge to it felfe that office which

tHtHt Sic.fic fiigfi^O' , belongeth to many, it breed? fbme diforder and confufioa but mm -oYmmm >m ^ ^ ^^^y ^^ ^^^^ ^j^j^i, -^ ^^^^^ >

fmt altjs coT^ruaJea "*"^ J

ThT& cibi\cit aiiena. Grathn. diil. -89, cap. 1. They that hold the Office of Biihops to be of G oii,<iohold,that the Church ccafcth not to be a ehurch,in which this degree is n«i to be

ipund.

Succeflion in the Apoftles Do6lrine is an efTentiall and unchangeable note of the Church,which wherefoever it is found, doth argue truth of mimlery in thatfbciety, for the Preaching of the Word and adminiilration cf tlie Sacraments, to draw men to internall Communion For that particular Church is the true Church of Chrift which retayneth unity with the Ca-.holickes^/c-i the unity of the head, the unity of the body,the

unitie

m'lty of Dodt^nc, and unity of the Spirit; tAerlut was Miff.Majar At. fjffi called an Heretike in the time o^ Epif^aniHs, not forh'i degcjl-.s-otor.c/tp.z. opinion, but for his reparation which iie made togeth<;i with f'^'f^'^^^'^o^ospcf fa,-it. For fo the Fatliers of the firrt Confiu^tinopQlirane Coun- %fe"l%ottfd ceiljC^w. (5. which in the booke of Canon us i5;. Hargti- erndJsK^^iufqfad ■cos autem dicitmii eos qui olimab Eeclefia a^d/cati funt, <^ ^^n. Dotn.j^r.j!.ief:9 ijui pojieaambtia»aiherKati^A7rn: prater hos amem (^ auife "^ ^cclcfi.i JcotiCa fan^tm qMidem fidem projitiri c!ts<imi^.'j%:>ii fHba\\\**K -^u- fe- f^f^^^^J-l^-^f^io^ gregaverunt amemfeje & advtrfus Canmicosnojhos Epif- Tp^ofalfJ^^J^ copos con^rtgationem facinnt. i^eligio em Chr/la-

Howloever therefore the Non-conformlrtsdiirentfro.n ffsm fuficpit Scofra others touching the 0?^ce andcalhngof Bilhop? as it is e- ^''-^^^-^o? fictft ftecmed a degree c'' miniller; alrv^ PAllors ajid Minifters '^^f''''^ ^'^^rici of the whole Die' ciic, who ic... c the care of Preaching to Ar^efMclenerv toif particular tl: >ke5, unto others, and challenge that as peculiar -• dc Ecclef. to thenirelve^whichiscommon toothers, or prop srly belong- ^"'^^ - in?r.hby z eth to many: yet they never denyed the word Preached by g^^^'' P''°?-'JJ-them that profeflc the iiitlre faith, and tlie Sacraments admj- ChurcrOovcr nilfred by them, tobechetrueetiecuiall Oi'Jinancesof lefus «nent,tpift!ctothc Clinft. AnJ moft that approve die calling of Biihops, deny Reader, not th^t there may be a Prcsbyterv, but tlut a Presbytery is lb J ^^^^ alrvaycs kj

fit for a Monarchy, beins^of opinion, that the forme of oq- ^^^®« "^'nf W-

• 1 L- I j-r • / ^1 1 A t,° . ^"" rnott er them

Vcmment IS lerc to the dilcretion ot every Church. And both are Brethren for

fides proFeff, that there is not any diCrcnce betwixt them, the t.uths fakcd^^ Which rriay cither deprive tliem of falvation by the death of -^•^'« Anfwer to C H K I S't, or barre them from living brotherly and Chrifii- '^^^ P"P'^' Articles aniy r s members of one and the fame Church. ^ilf^Lav in Bel

It is a rule,you lay, That no man c\n give more toasio- cont.'i.l. i. cm. j, ther than heehathhinifelfe. Butth sruleof Law isunskil- The ri^ht and' fully applyed, or eUe while you dilpuee agauill one talle rai- po^er of giving

nifterv vou fet up anocher, or dellroy the miniltery altogether, m' ^a^^^^^c '? ^^^ injit*// r ,' 1 r • 1 r II 1 . ^**"iiUers of the

Tor the commuaityot the faithtull have not power to preach Charch.belonPeth

the Word,or adminifter the Sacraments, and hee thit deri/es primarily a whol-

his au hority from them, which they have not to give, is no 1/to Chri.'>, who

trueMinirter. If they be falfeMinifters, who derive their au ^omaiunicatcth

thority from them that have it nor then theyximt derive it Br'deThc churdj''

from the Cliurch asthe Primitive and immediate lubje£f mult Both the Bnde- '

£oe in thacnumber. For cHc Church bach not that authority, groome for his

* parr, and the Bride

n ^^^ ^^^ P^ftj have

delivered this power of Ordmatioa to the Presbytery j^w dklra, aftt r-vard the Prcsbytcty

'oiifcircd im".Ww»''thispowerupoRihcm,whowcicri'cciallycalcdBifliops,8cc

CP8)

BiUat.,ieSacram.\.

clinctm /acerdo-tuii-i aT^pman. pan-t'tfi.e perns C6nptc-teraitt.

Hia- mD'ialog.ad-verj luciferian. LuciffriiVii admtic-uant bapi'ymacoUa turn db hayeti it,fed 7ionotArn3..i ne»!* Bel.ui/ifupraAoh.n iv.aLconc i.ant''-fapa fcl)ifma;ico or' d?um diccxcom-ful'iti paicr yieus «•-Ml habntt jibi, nihil mihl dedit.

^^Mlii uliq\ & n»n and bUlSiftnm audi-hl'hi'Ufi'-ix.Eufib. /«5.1. 7.c.i,j;,4j8, & H.rm, Covf.conf. Bohetn..an. iz.dc hapt.

Gjtat. pa>\ZiC,i.q.i c.S0.5i,gJ,n &c jfO^ 46,47. Bel.de Jacr.\.\.iC;^^ Ode

igUur.lm. xiivtadv.

not^ 11.

Greg. N3a.o;vzr.40

Smduo amiiliyakcr

Cal. fn/Z/«.1.4.c.i 5 /?. 16. & ^nUdoT, concil. Trid. ad Can.

and Tne cam ?t yv e wnat (hee liatli not. The. Claflls ©r VreC-byccry (you ,vi'l tay) liath no authoricy to oru*ine a h'tiniiler, which IS r'>aclminiltcr in anotner congregation, and hee that derives his aurhoritie from them that have ic n©t to give, is no true Milliter, It' the people and guides of the Qiurch both confent, they h^ve no authoricie to call or conlecrate an unlearned, covetous,profane.. hereticallMinider^ and he that derives authority rrom them that have it not to give, is no Mini-fter, apd that which is done by hinv is of no vahdity,his pray-;:rs are not heard, the Sacrameitsadminiftredbyhimarenot Icale of die covenants or internall communion with Chrift 01 his faichfiill people, A falfe Church or minillery hath no power to call and orJaine a Minifter or to give him power ta preach the pardon of finnes, ordifptnfethefcalesof grace;, and the auchority granted by the-n that have it not is a meere. blanke. Thefe and fuch like arc the proper conlequcnces o£ this rule m fapplyed ; AH which no fort of Chnitians ever admitted as found and true* The Papiits are very forward to. challenie the reformed Churches as no true Churches^becavift-tliey have no true Miniikrs, but luch 9^ were ordained by Hc-retickes or are fallen into herefie. And yet when they have, fpent their breath they dare not deny, but baptifme admini* iired by Heretickes who liold intyre tlie forme of Bapti'^^c, i&. true, and fo the Lords Supper and ordination like wile . FoCv the impiety of the Minifter cannot pollute the pur *ty of divine myfteries, neither (lull they be ineffeftuall to the diildren of . Godj altliough difpenled by ludas the Traytor. Heretickes.. have not (laith TS^e/iarmine) the remiflion of finnes formally,. but they have it miri'^erially, as a fervant who hath not one. farthing of his owne. t- tay carry many thoulands of his Mailers to fome other man. In things natural! and artificiall the effedl is not like to the inftrumentjbut to the principall caufc ;., as heate is the inftrument of fire, though it have not the fub-ftantiall forme of fire, and the baptifme which is adminillred,. andtne word which is preachedof wicked men, is not the baptilm or word or wicked men,but of Chrirt. Anarelius was-conlecrated of 'Diofcorrs , Feli?c of the ^ritms. See Gratian: dtcret. cap, i. ij«. 1. £/ip». ^2, 3^»34>35^3^.

37>47.

Every Minji'tei of the Gofpell derives his authority^ gifts and office immediately from le/ia £hrifi'\ the Cburch^people,.

patron^

CP9}

pitiOr, Presbytery or B.llxjp are only Stewards to fet him in

Oifice, whom the Cord hach defigned; wlierein it any one or Aug. c'onft(i. art-li

all of them lluli challenge more than of nghtappcrcameth Oudin.dift.i^.

to them, or doe oai>hE out of paiciality feJuio'^Hy. tyrannical- *'^^' iS" ,?•"/"'''' « ,./ J I • / 1 / , r "^ LI ,1 L 1 cei-d. Cathol lib. i-^

ly or diIordcrIy,in lo doing thy Jelerve blanie,but that which ^ Exqwj

IS done is noc in every refpetl vty I, ar J or none ctfe6l,as it mnc apparet ad ft hath becne Ihewed at large. The power of miniftrari ?n i$ re- l>*^cm mmbrB:uin ceivcd from Chrill and not derived ^rom men either formal B-cckfiaif^oiinex-ly or vertually, for they have it not to give : but tlie dehgna- }^auduermi^ftxm tion of the perfon, is by m.nminilleriaily or inftrumen- g;^^^ Chiiftian

tally. fubj. parc ^/>. io »•

A A RON w seal-led r.o tJ u office

Can Keref .^f ^enarar Paa ?8 not by Afo/«, bur

^^an. iNccci. ^rf .eparac. i ag.jo. by God Himfdfir,

though, hce vttK The (^ofif'>rmlfis keeperKuchbetterto their grounds than the annoi'^ud by Moot her doe. For they profejfe dotvne right that their mini- fi' hands, Heb.f. fiery is from the Church ./ Ron^e,/o that if thePopifh ^^.'^^XI.o/dI-Bifhopf, Priefls a.u. Deacons be goody theirs bee good alfe, vinity.papc i?7. they being fram them* T{ow no doubt thefe men doe Mafon: SuccclT of Tve/I fercetve that their minijtery cannot pjjibly be jufli Bilhops, publillicd fed un/ejfe it bee by thts rvaj of diffute. In thU ref^i 8k ^X ^^'"hority wfk v i ':7eir judgment and praElice u one, and fo farre tlyej are to bee c jmmended, and I verily thinke, that if they were fure that the minify try brought into the Lar.dby the t relates from Rome iifaKe andzAntichrifiian, oi the Nett' confcrmifis ajfrme it to be, that many of them woft/dnot here<jfttr ever have any f^ir/t*tJl ommunion with it, Trnely it would make a man Aar^ire tj he Jhould under' " fiandmg/y eomp-re together the writings of thefe two com-panies, touci^ing a Church miniftery. For tft their opinio out about it, they are as csntrary each to other, as light tt^ darkenejfe, Chrtjlto Telial^righteeufnejetoHnrightcouf^ Me(fe, notwithfiending though fodiftff^nt in judgement, yet they will communicate together in one miniftery ; but §ne of thefe againft kr.wledge offend furely^ let them hol^ weH to it. For tohm that knoweth to doe good and doth it not, to him it is ftnnfy that is^ his fa-ih is fo much the more, and froportionablj his condemnationpfttH be with iwt repentance,

(too)

j4nguji. dcciv. Dei lib ^x.ij.'^Mcfi hqHaeiia vanitate, tfu^e mnyeopoi-9 gw^d "jan tai ^ quia jl!voh{e.\ :,!k4 et'i .hi daman pouft qiam

Answer.

Inftead of found argument?, wee have here your ra!li and unadvifed cenlMrc, t'^eoneof thelc(you{ay) againllknpw^ ledge offend rurely..

Bur what evidence canyon bring to juftifie this condcna-natorie fentence ? or how can you reconcile your lelfeunco your felte herein? Here you tell us, the Confbrmilis many of them at leaft offend not againO", their Confcicncc, and for-merlieyoaeA'preffeyourCharitietotheNor.-conFormiftsjtliat although their pra6lice i ^ not ftriftlie anfwerable to their pro* feffion, and therefore doe give juftoccalion to the Prelates to in/inuate againft them hypocriticall eiids: yet you for your part are otherwife minded tiun the BiHiops in this thing, and doe thinkc that they doe of Confaencecenderanethcftate of that Church : but doe not maturely confider therdponlive conclufions whi.h follow upon their principles.. There were your thoughts then, and what (liouldoccafion tliislud-den change ? And if you will weigh what you have written, of neceffity you mull accuft your felfe of groffe inconfi-deratenefie in laying you know not what, and perverting, mens words of all (orts^orof (innc againft Confcience if you write what you know to be falfe. Confidering how you. deale in both your bookes throughout, I fcarce know an Author, who hath more need to look home than your lelfe, - It is. true the Gonformifts and Non- conformifts have wric-Cen on both fides one againft the other in matters of Church Government ard Cererronies, (and perhaps with bitterncffe more than bef ? er'^' wherein alwayes the forwardeft men-have not been of the greatell judgment or beft moderation a And therefore every thing that is written muft not be interpreted asthe judgment of all, or moft of either fide, but as the private* opinion of the penrman; v/hich falleth out in all con-trove'-^'is am.ongft all forts,But whatfoever outcry you make of contrarieties, there is nc point of that weight and moments, :ontroverted betwixt them, as might juftly hinder communion together in the Ordinances of Re'igion. If tlieir contention had broken, forth to (iicli an head, they might have beene anfwered moio )uftly, the one or both fides^co offend of furicj^

Tlie Conformifls ( )xm fay ) kccpc much tester ;r. fieir Cai/ek^giioR Man

grounds than theother doj,for thsr/ confs/K dawl rigk tlvat "P- *, *^j'S- ^' • *>•

tliciTMiniftcrie is froin the Church of Rome: h itc^.:^^op ^^"h^ nntftlbl

did neither miicii care, normquircwhnrthsyprofeite, ellh ijt, yctmuftmc

you might hive lecne, they (ay and troftf^' in this point as trot take the hcfc

<iid receive tlieir ordination from RomiHi Bifhops, and had uoon To furc r.buil Itich calling as was to be fcund in that Church. But doe they ''^'^S' ^h^.tcM o-only acknowlea-;eTo much ? \V9«: :.3t this evermore received f^"^J>^i^f»■ they of-■fer a truth in the^ancient Church, that ordination received f^". ,oVd ^'^"h from herctikes, not erring in the tmine^ndamentail truths in oth"" i^iuci%, dire(5Hy, was true and effe(5-ii2ll-^ Doe not alJ reformed nnc!ftickto Cbrift-Churches which have feparatcd from the abominations of ti^coniv lubftanu-Rome profefllvhat the firft reformers amongft them received 'j^ ^"'"^ ""= ^°""~ ibme ordinary calling in the Church of Rome, which, re- ^^*^^' snained in that time of the viirble Chitrch corrupted ? Top fomc of them were Billiops, ibme Pricftsand Do(5lors approved of the VnlverfitieSj and ordinarie Churches: m'any of them preached the Gofpell and adminiftrcd the Sacraments beforf excommunication or perfecutJon raifed by the Adver-6ries, inthatthey'wercfentunto, or fcfover feverall Churches or conc,regations, m which they ought to execute their office or miniftration,.therein they received commandcment to ^-i-each the Gofpel.lt"> men that fent them did mix anything clfeto their calling, they muft be obedient to divine inftitu-lioOjUot to humane addition.So beingafttt an ordinary manner fent of Godfingularly, they u.?j:e?^:*r'ordinarily ftirred up of him to promote and fet forward ms, i.xi igdome. Thus Lutho-f H**s,Wickliffe 2nd others were :3i'!^lid both ordinarilic ^'^^^" ^'^''"''- ^^'^^' andextrao-jinariiic : an-ordinary calling they received in a gchiuz^L'dus corrupt Church, and extrabrdmaiily they were ftjrrcdu^ ramjaLKc.'tT tofultiUtHcMiniftcrietliey had received/accji'JIn^ tc^ the S^nn^^ietccq.'i.c,^. commandcment of God^and not ::fter the craditio»is of men... ^^'^^^- •^'?«''«' l/oni

fuitinfiKUjJp-ne^vo, • ;■ .. ^ •• callofit 0:dmMi(mc

EcclefrMriiii^c'i/if^jn'j/fjosvoliros cioCkrts 'Bcmuius cxclt^fiq^.iA Mitm'miJnsfifnijJe WxerL-mUi (/jiiid conrm ^bfcicyii femifi'it: '^ur/imimced»>vcl,Jud«ei:,-vctTuiC.-e-, uel Bdrbart, a pofh<mhitni?Ks <i(>r^fnm(mda-t(xkj!a'fnmivirt.'i fx^r- .icnihpim vhis/az-ifumi d-jcliflimf -qKa&ccleJkc paftores? ^'

P^: If

.it I- ^tneraUy rc«"civeu tor a truth af this day, that'Bap-

tirmcadrru-iftrcd byhcrctikes, who errenot inthemainc

Jr.tke oiainition fundamcntaur-uiisef Baptifm'^, or deay not the cffcatiaU

ofbiih«ps.ti«faid. |-Qj^^ ofBu.ar.ac,is true for llibftancc And it Baptifmc

^^^^!r^!^!i£'!i he true aua m-Ci bee reverenced as Gods ordinance deferv-

r\-} qifantum tua ca- eth, there .j$ lomc truth ot Minilterie amongft them.

fax 4 Tkuaradivi- T^^ey that ,hinke ;he bafeft ot Rome , will acknowledge

-'nafctiptarx fe?ifiaui ^^^ paj tifmc adminiftred by Pricfts and Jefuites to bee true

\accommd<^rtv^ke-^ ''forXiibitaacc And if the Baptifmeot God may bee re-

^drur^is^fcr'^ptwish- ceivcd or derived from their Minifterie, it i* no abfurditic to

Miigls,plebem mi vr- affirme, that the firft feeKers of reformatioi derived authori-

dmanduscs &ver- tie trom God to preach the'/ord and admmiftcr the Sacra-

hsdocm& ^^^^'-mcnts by their i4inifterie, or by them, is Stewards ufed of

^ih?t^dT&S^^ '^^^ diifcrences which they put

' ca pohlo Yibi com- betwcene Baptifme and the Minifterie are to no purpoCc at

m'^9 ' all to the point in band. For let them differ in what they

will, herein they agree, that in whaf: focietie foever, the

truth of" Baptifme is to bee found, therein is fomc : uth

of Minifterie to bee found, though marvellous corrupt and

"polluted.

The calling of the Pope and his adherents is earthly, falfe,

?nd divellifli, as they ftand in relation to him. But fo is

not the calling of every one that was fet in office by them

in every refped. For fbme things might bee of men, and

ibme things were of God. For they derived their autho-

ritie from God, and not from them, and therefore though

the qualitie of the proper calling of Pricfts and Jefuites bee

earthly and carnalL it is not neccffarie the calling that others

receive by themj but from God,{hould be of the fame nature,

qualitie or cond'<-io^ / .id though that calling amongft the

Papiftswas whole • rrupt, yet not whoUie, bccade that

whichisinftitutedbyGod, is not made void bythecorru-

Catteh. fit. 4, pti' ptions of men, i he Miniftcry of Priefts confidercd in the

Vhrj. This ii tny Malfe (if I may fo fpeak) is corrupt and rotten, as they are or-

fecrifice td preach daincd to ofter facr-aces propitiatorie for the quick and dead,

the Oofpcll, my it is the minifterie of the papali apoftacie and not Chrifts,

fvv« d IS r^ic Oo- 1^^^^ 2^ ^j^^y 2j.g ordained to preach the Gofpell and to baptize,

jC A*N Neccf of '^^ ^^ cannot lay their minifterie is not of C hrift at all,or that

Separ.ai^' * itisamccre nulline. If yqu had confidercd this diftinftioa

advifedlyyou v"^ I have beene morefparing inyourceiv

lure, or at Icait giv^ ifome weiehty rcafons ot your alErma-

tioji

iiov.. • But it 15 eafier to bio ^' ^\va\' zn arg"ument wth Dig wordsjthan to untie tiic knot in due order. The p;, -its ibt'm- A zor .Df/fh. Morab ■■ {elvesteach, InEpifcopohnreTJcomAnerepotef.tte.K fonferendt ^\^-'-l?', ordmes.quiaidfdcttMomtne, initUi'Uonecrit:*h.-':tdJe\Jhn-^ „ , , , v„-« ' Jiiy tacocjue ab harettcis Epfcoft4^.orebnatos, C:' a,^ Ewiefiam re- i^t mmft, p.So. detintes^ non iterum ordinari. AHqni etii^m te^eni h^riticos E" Sidccl. de legh >zv flfcopasfotefiatemcjuoejUejiirifdiSiioniinon tmittere. cat.Mimjlprg. -4.

iFtheNouconformifts hold any thing cxtraorcHnarie in th<r ^^Z^'"^!!'^ calling or thole pnrae retormeis and lervantsot God, it 13 immeie /« intcUige-not ablolutcly but m fome refped only. And the fame iS at* ajyqui Uj. ab uidmt firmed by Confoiiiifealfo. Extracdmariam didmtu c^ho- "^^I'^hc kiium^dif-rundAmcrdinario m <^timjh^-;'- voc^tionfm, eo tantum [^j'^'^i'^j "''^"f^ fenftt quoSacerdot' ■ po-^ f.ciiqtitdamab ipjis JcfuitUMcmtur Z!uxnZr7:?uriJ^ tfgitimoJHreextraordimrio: And a little after. Sic eo nomine di^nrcumamorcft" tantftm 2>ocatftr,efuiA rectdit in (tliefHnparte ah or^nejam depra^ ii^o enque cmupto.i-liato^utpeffitiUHmrefiaurare, tarecediiur, ut i

Compare therefore what they have Written together,and 1^^^!^^^%^^ you Qiallnndc nothing which might hinder their comaiuni-,f^fj^/.6)y,^^«^! onirihcworfhipof God. You fay the J^aiptures approve dimprimisn'fti'udo^ not, of rending away from true Churches, for any go: ruption.- <^* ''^'*'> «/« vtwffc I ufe ^hc word Cany) becaufe fo lorg as we acknowledge the ^'^'^fi'^"*^-Church to be true (whatlbever her fins are) a fcparation from „ ^,^ '^^'* *' all communion with it, is utterly unlaw foil. But whatfoe- ' vcr the ConformKls or Nonconformifts hive written one^-gainft another in this point of the Minifterie, they never denied ^he nature and effence of a true church to bee found a-mong us, and therefore cannot bee thought to oft'^nd againft confcience, in that they hold communion together, in that which is good, and of God.

S E G T. 7.

G A N Stay ag. Se<a. j. p^g. 58^

T He fin full offce of the Teacher h%comet his fin "^hoprt' Uifieth vpiil-'^orfhtp '^ith him. For hereby heen^rag" peth himfelfe into the guilt ofhis-o^ce. " .• hearefnch a tj^lini&er is to honour ^ approve J andftphold. r. ; :eof ^fi' mUerie, Tojee/d/my approi>afion, liki^c. - merrme, ftnto

menj

>9^>/»/^**»*««»i w the exercip of religion, isfirt. But in hear"

,fr«j^4. ft.6'', 'ng Ah tch'r*-jt''*.'i /limfieySy there is appro!?aUoHy likingy and

•^jteen-^ J eeidfd unto mens inHitutton in tn? exti'cife ojreligi'

Mat.15..-H.i<5^. 4it theri't.rai'ti'jiftne. The /yj^Ajordfrmot bedenyed, fn-rtbe

Co\.x.-ic,iiiS Seriptitres te^Pti ks the. very- Jitng, S^efides themojl']»dtciouf

H^f ' ^r Ey ^d ^^^^^^^ affir-m it *&.\ °'^ "'^ ■ ^ " The/^rnorisiisclear-e, Porfirfi,Jt^isn9tfeJft[;lethatmen Ce^iy^ ^*9 uitttichriSiian^hurches to'^orflfip God, hit they nm/i '^ their precence i':ere ^ psvf reverence md honotir to the .pt^likefdlefiattfOtdmimfierie.

Answer/

f-—I and the fame arguments, whtr-.Aito a!iiwer hath-' JP-, X beene ^ven alr'^ady. Bi ♦■ 1 muft follow you in thai path , wherein you are plealed to goebefore mee. J WiU-woribip iirunlawl"ul,both in the teaGher,and them t'^^^t comn'unicate with him in that W3r(hip, But the preaching' of ttae vord and adminifttution of the Sacraments in our a(-iembUesJSKotwiiI-worflT.ip, bat the ordinance ot Chrift. 2 To ye^H any approbationj liking, or reverence unto mens'' inftitutioni', devifed, and to be exercifed with opinion of ho-„,. . lijiefle^.iiece/Titie, and wor(bip, isfinne. Andifthisbetbt^-

Q^\^% *lgc.'"' ' ^ meaning of your propofition, we confefletbe "Seriptores teach ' "inn^aTid. hiicc^ thisverything,andjudicious.leamedDivinesaffirmeit. And^• Pifcac. ibid. what ule there is of heaping up Authors to prove that which •

is moft willingly affented unto, 1 cannot tell. The Lord hath laid downe the ^'jw and manner of his worfhip, and hath not left it to any crcat.jrf' to meddle with , but according to his C ziN Stay,?.?..?, prescription and ippointmenft The outward worfhipof ^^* God muft be ftrifHy done according to his commandement.

A good intention'thetf: bath no place, workes devifed by mu re ■'ci"^ ha • r not oniy no promife of re ward for doing of th^;iH, but contrariwife great threatuings and malediflions , ?^. £/x-Injuna.j. of Qq^^ Butailinftitu^ioHsof nienin tbc excrcife of reli-'' glon, fjch» to wit, a': be limply matters of order, or appurtenances cf woribip, as time, pUce. methodi phrafe of fpeech, ftintcd^catechiliiic^'feacsof bleifing andadminiftration-oF t'-a Srjcramsntr,. ,-i^. bee not of^tfaatnature, n&tberdoth^--

very

ciy thing concerning the quahfication and e^c.d'cc'.i mini-fteric belong to the fecond Commandcment. So ^hat rJl in ftitutionsingencrall are n-. condemned in ScripLUi'e, nc diflikcd by godly ant^ iearncd men, lb the generall given fa-dircdionimuchcalesbcobfcrved. 3 We hold it unlawftjU outwardly, and but in appearance, to joyne with Idolater? in their Idolatry: Many words in this matter might vv^H bee fpared: Butweedefiretofe-^ your ,ommandcmeii .why tor every particular a<51, that m a large Icnfe is Idolatrous, ad-joyncd to the true worOVip cf God, we fliould forbeare our ^ ,-. . ^ prefence at the worOiip it feife, o-- be faid to communicate in ,^t 10 p^^'s. ^B6 the fmne there committed? For then no man might prefait ' '^" ''* himfelfe with good confcience , at any publikc worlhip of G o D, wher -ny thing is done -amirtc, for maitcr, or manner, which 'n efteA to fay, hee cannot bee prefcr.t at any at all. ^Zo communicate in the ordinances of God ■with the Minifters oi tne Church of England, i«J not to like, approve or reverence the inftitutions oi men, in the exercifes oi religion, nor to communicate wii h the Teacher in his fin, nor in ought elie that is amifle. ""'or the worlliip is of God both for matter and manner. And put cale, the Miniftcr bee diforderly cholen, enter not as Ik ought, be Symoniacall, covetous, fro ward, corrupt, idle, fcandalous, doe the people partake in his lin,in that they make ule of his Miniftcry ? No Scripture tcacheth any luch thing, no reaion doth confirm it, noe approved authors ever faid it. That which you alledge for proofe, falleth utterly fliort.

It appertaineth to the vertuc cf truth,that as a man fheW- D.w.dctcw. 7.p. 40. eth himleUe bj v^xternall fignes, fo he is ii^dced to be efteem-cd. And luch as frequent or repair untonnhvcfnll afTemblies, for the publikc worlliip of"God; by theii ''ing there, are to be reputed oi the fame religion, or cHe dilfemblers, as it were to have no care of religion, knowing God, but not glorifying him as God. But herein you have mifreiated the 7>n,,v^y .ran- I>oway anHfit in 4, fiators, for their words are,But in a Chriftian count'ey,wlif;rc '^'"S- J. ig-p^T^u jtllbcare the name of Chriftians, efpecially where men are at -controverfie about the true Chriftian Religion, all thatfr-.-quent or repaire unto the fame alTcmblies, for publike fer-vice of God,arc lo be reputed of the fame religion, or elfe dif-femblers. Bodily prefencc at faJle worflT'? ly which thej? fiicw a liking unto it is unlawfull. To catc of mcates ^atri-

P fiC(Sd

lour coiidcninhig rl:c . /onliip of God f erformcd in our aflcmblicj -> pernicious idolaciy wherein is it alcf-ferfinnc hm the Popes prohibition ofpubliLc prayer, aadteftraint of the Word and Sacraments throughou: thcReaIm?youcm neither flicw us warrant tor it in the Scriptures '"^i" exaraplc of it in »hc Chu'ch of Got'. You that fo teach and ccnfure fiand.^ guihic of gtcatimpietie, and they that hcarltcn unto your feifv\a-fions, arc partakers of your miquity in fome fort , of tht wrong imaginati-«wasot Chiifiians, AugMTraiijoi.-). faith, i^ua artiia idola cordis JuM. T.C.rtpl.i,afi. 5.

ficcd ui.toldots In the Idoll 1 emplcis to cciDfWflunicatc witn Idolaters. Vhcfc: things are evident and freely granted : But che Ad'embiic net to call upon God, in the mediation of Jc-fus Chrift alone. -^o hear j the dodirine c^ falvation, foundly and purely preached, to receive the Sacrament rightly admi-niftrcd, is not a falfe idolatrous aflemblie : they that repairc itnto it, be not idolatrous or falfe worfhippcrs. If you efteeni of the; i uS they Ihew themfe) ves by outward fignes^you muft cfteem them to be of the true religion,and the true worlhip-pers of God according to his- will; The miniftcrie in that aflemblytobetrue>foundand fiaithfull and of Godforfiib-ftancc. In this lieth the point of the controverfi(*i which you are contented to pads by in filence, witnout ai\ proofo at all.

But if any humane frailtie or infirmttie eavc to the mini-fterie or congregation, in refpe(5l of doftrme,manners,lawcs, government or order, which concernco not the life and foul, but only the fafcty of the Church or wellfart of Religion. In thefe a Chriftian doth not partake by lus prefencc at the ordinances, as the Scripture, reafon, and the approved praAice of the Saints in all ages of the Church do plentifully witnefle. This is the judgement and pradice ot the Nonconformifts, and therefore they profr^flfe they praile God for this reformation^ fo farrc forth, as it is agreeable to the Word of God, they are glad the Word of God is preached, that the Sacraments are adminiftred; that which is wanting they dcfire to be added, that which is overmuch cut off. But that a Chriftian muft fcparate from the Word and Sacrament, by reafon of fome fupcrfluities or defers, isnoiefponfive conclufi-91)J that can be g .thered foundly from their writings.

Can Stay, Sed. 5.pag. 66.

}» freshing of the truths of the Goff ell by a falfe MimBer, An IdoUtroHs aEl uperformed. For Divine ^orjhlp i; not is be determined by a particnlar thing ( horvbeit in it felfe pmodjbut as the e^entiall fart* belonging thereto ( whether * hey are ferfons or thingsyare keft mdobfernedXhe Church •fRomie in Baftifme ufeth water^ and in the Sacrament of the l^ords Suffer gives brfiM^wnt (HhcrrMfjQo ; doth

thk..

this eledf'f their AtlntinifirAtions of Idol at fy ? / thin^ ■«// nan

d0f thinks that \zz\zh committed an IdehvroHsaEi-^ ypha ^ Chroi\-^o i6

he invaded the Priefls oj^te. BntMnt M.ideitp} tookehe " ''" • •

mlarvfultinren[e? no, Ffedhftrangefir.' ? no'.Offeredhee

prohibited Sacrifice, or upon a rvrcng Alt or^ No: where

then lay the fault, the Scripture telle th hs , it pertained Vcrfci^.

not to him to burne incenje unto tK^ Lord, but to t <■.. fons of

Aaron. To apply this, ifh '< aEl >X>ere Idolatrous h.caufe he

"Wanteda c.'lling, ho'^^beit obfer-^edmany truths of the law.

By the fame recfon th". Church alls of Artichriflian Mii

nifiers are IdoUtrou-, yea, and as for the truths which they

preach, this cleares their aUs no more from Idolatry, than

Vzziahs true Incenfe andthe Altar quitted him from tranf-

greffion.

Answer.

Your great words are of fmall force, for fhould 1 fpcakc my conlcience, (it is your phrafe,) They are words with- ^ ^^" ^"2- $• >^ out weight of reafon. For ftillyoii preii^ppofethcMinifte- ^'^ ' rie of the Church of i^i .,;r.nd to bee falle and idolatrous, which IS to beg, not to C( ijclude the queftion. But that being prefuppofed, let us fee how you goe forward. In preaching the truth of the Jofpcll by a falfc Minifter, an Idolatrous ad is performed, you fay. But doth the Scripture lay lb ? Do you read it in the Law, or in the Prophets, in the Apoftles or in the Evangelifts? The Scribes and Pharifees wcrcfiKe' Minifters, but it was not an Idolatrous worke in them to expound the Law ot Aiofes, or difpcnce ot!v Church ordinances, at that time commanded. The po^ iili X-'riefts and Bi-fiiops arc falfe ProphetSjbut the (implc adminiftration of Ba-ptifme by them is not an idolatrous ad. The Minifter that is prophane, and hateih to be reformed, is a falfe Minifter. and hath nothing to doc to take the covenant of God into his mouth, but the Word preached by a treacherous ///^■,proud Diotrephes, covetous T>emas, or one that cnvieth the pro.'pe-ritic of Saints, and peace of lerufalem, is not an Idolatrous ad. If it be Idolatrous in him that performethit,yctitdoth not follow, that it is idolatrous in them that jbyne in the ordinance. Let it bee idolatrous ^'i the priefts, who defpife iy.iovvlcdge, and live proph^nely^ put cafe jUiesionSj to offer

P 2 facrificc

iad-ihte, it'is idCiatious likevvife for the pccpe to appeai^e before God ip bis noly Temple.

Vhac/>.?:t.j/^ committed a grievous ofFenccj'vvri. he invaded the Priefts oilice, all men thinke. In vvbat rciped all men conceive it -^ be aii idolatrous a(fl 1 cannot fay : but all falfe Minillcrs uo not ufnrjje tbe Priefts office, as r^^iah: nor Et.?o. 7,s.- Pfal. ull thin.fs done by falfe Prophets, to be matched with Fz^i-J 4». 1. Apoc. 8 J. akf otfji ing incenleTor the offering of Incenfc was typical!, Hcrifi-'J/^"''*'■' a»«i'"«igl^*.^^eafhadow u Clirids intercefTion, and le the Dcod.Bib'iuldif. a<^ ofr^^^^r:? might be Ido.rrou;., and in that particular di-mi ra ?Cx. 14-. i ' edly croffe to the inftituticii 6f God But many Church & Aprc.s.j.Ori. acflions typifie no fuch thing. Vx^^iah had no calling to ot-m loi.hmy^.iom. fc. incenfe, out fome /:^.irv; h:inifl:ers may havefomecalling pafcha^RhadL^*''' ^-^^ a^niinift-'^ the thingsof God, though they be not appro-wLim/hr, A 1. vcdcFGod. T^^t./^^ could not offerincenfcin anyrefpedtby tibliotit^pat Lm.^. authoritie from God, but a talfc Minifter in one refpedt may fa.,t\. be called of God, in fome other to doean.i(ft minifteriall,

CWfu% a^c^ oc- that is,by authoritie ffom God, hee may dee fome ads for % "^&^, "vo^fix fubftance law Rill and efiedual), though the Minifter himfelfc &facerdol. A:nbr. -3C not approved. Thus the Nonconformifts, upon whofc Knar, m ?[. wf.. grounds you pretend to build yourcT/ lufions, let it be as the Gfcg.^/rfg./^?/:^7 ceni'irereporteth, that his word^:.are of a' ^iniftcr, which ^mni'ch-^uT ^° cannot preach Doth he doubt whether hebeiniiiyrefpcda An, "E^xoj '©!';; cm- * ^'jinifter or no, becaufehe faith, if I may fo call him ? In->,e era. i< p.ip. deed this manner of (peaking declareth tuat he judgeth him •"hat cannot preach a man unworthy to bee a Minitier, but he doth not deny him altogether.

But in your eReeme, all Minifters not called and ordained of that particular Church, whereunto they doe adminifter and performing thei- aixhortie by vertue and authoritie de-rrv ed from their. a'-e falfe Minifters, becaufe all other ''.dmini-i\cr by powf-r u^^rped and Antichriftian, which is with one breati), to biaft all the worfhip and fervice, which hath beenc doneanto God ^'i the congregations of his Saints, forthi& fourteene or fifteene huiid red yeares or more.

[ Can. Stay. Sec.j.pag./d.

I-avitcrl w If>(h,i i, ^^ ^ '^''''J P^**^ f'^^ ^f "^j ^'^ oHght not to conclude of an (t/-^ h»ai,6i.^ V^on that itisgood^bteaHfcitZarhinitfomfth'i^gyfhkh^

>«/♦ f^iJTf is fo, andthh'isirue. ffthif*^sJ* hy fo Q^^g^. mjm^l^-' in himafie too. For it is a l^now:ietefteftt of '/^hihro^ iibfMord' .'ath.i-:'^-;^'jtrf, Th' vpholc is cowpo/ed, mcaffirtd .ind determncd f^iru'Wy ?''• dtcsmi-of all the f Arts.. '"''''■

Answer.

It is true, anafiionisnocgo&Jj unle(TeaIlciraim{l.mces i.came^onpraL^., required to die doing of.- gooJ a6t be oblervcd :butchea6l rm.z.^. 0,9. Amb 20od in It Telfi is cvill in the doer, if onecircumftancebe^ Cathann mthe evill. Vor every thing that is morally good mult be contor- 1 2. „ j^. m.ible to the rule, whichjthr/vhi'.histJertdliv'einany';art c AT.Stay.Scd.^ ret|uircJ, cannot bf. But hovv ilull thisbeeapplyed to the page 85. Rutgcf. purpofe ? Is every deficient a6t forthwith Idolatrous? Or :Jtit.Maapb)f\.z. that which ishycn-cumlhnceunlawtuUinthedoer, [-.caufe "p. ^fB^«..^w;«. or his tailing, unlawtull to every one that dotli communicate ^^^-^ ad raimalem v\'ith him in I .c Ordinance, but not in the defeft ? If a "Mi- is^aturamfivcdi^ta-niller preach Chrift of envie,doe they finne that heare fincers- men re£lte rationk ly an I receive the truth in love ? If amangivealmcsin vaine- ■'^fjCurgu i7ia&Hho~ glory, dodi the poor m-infinne, who receives it in humilitie ^'pcxbomuteob-andthankfgn ig : An aCaon done ni one forme and manner cinumUantiariim-may be fini;e, whi'li in another forme and manner is the true ua comrayia difcoH-^ woi'lhip of God, which may be oblerved of him thit is pre- 'T^nlemiafeudefe-lent iuourAflemUies. ein^mmalocuip^

confu,ga,ex dife£lit illorum m aCllonCy

CA XT TLIJ itiiialivilitnnhmm

^^'^i>id. mtr:riudejit,aaus

e.xeo/t^t't^.veddatur

tAs loh faith, who can hri,.-^ a elt:,ine thi*igout »f annn- ZmftJ Dio^yf' ■ieane? Not one. Hut the falfe b]jic is umcleane^oi is dixit. Bonw^i cjl e.r acknowledged. Artd this further tm.j k^'t amplifiei hy meir(tCAufi,wak'n that pa[fage of the Prophet^ where i. is fhe^ed, That '^"lem ex quohkt holj things are pollfitedby touching^^^*'''^' which ire «»-. ^'A''^«-

lob 14 4. Hag. 2/ 12,15. See/««.//?

A N S W f R.

lot.

Tbac which is unclcane cannot caufallyj univoca.'Ue, anc

(110)

pfpfici* br^'" fortU^lutwhicbwclcanCjbut inflmmcntally it a-ay A prour" Miniftetmay faetheinftrumentof God to coi • ert a "nusr from the errour of his way, and ^ndif-penl'ation ot ch. Sacrament leale to the worthy receiver the Pardon of his fiiins, though he himfelfereapeiToprofic or benefit thereby^ tut herein the good that is wrought is not ef-feSt^d bv any vertue or power in tlie Minifter, who is the Lords '". Jicer or inftrumcntj bu: by the power of Gods Spirit anc^ his fret grace, who knowethhow toulcandblefle €vill inftruments tbrhisownepurpofe. An uncleane Olficer or perfcn pollutes the holy things of God to himfelfe, but ncL to others, who ufe them in faith according to the Lords appointment. V/hy you (hould refcrre us to /««*«/ annota-t'ons I fte not, unlefle it be to fliew us your forwardneffe to quote Authors, which make nothing to your purpofe. For all t\ut lUtiiM obferveth is this, Thatthe/^w^/being impure and polluted in heart, did receive no fan6litie from die touch of Tcrnple or Altar.

Can. Ibid

They need not by his writing ieare their unblefled flaading; For fo they preach the troths of theGof-pelljtheyfinn'iiot. And then vrhat need is there to by downe their falfe office?

I cannot fay of this mans Logickcas AriUnle did of Theodorta his miking Epithit«!Sj,lti$ his whole aft. CAN.Stay.;j.i7.

Jf in preachi)9g the truth no Idslatrous aUi^ performed then it yeill follow^ that a man may remaine a C^linifier of a falfe Church all his Ufe time, providedhee onelj teach the truths of the GofpeH. Our reafon is, for in this^ if he doe no idolatrous aQ, then hee Jinneth not, and fo eonfequently no jud caufe of his comming out from among them.

Answer.

Ill might you twit your adver(arie with his little skill in Logicke,unleflt it was done 'n policic to hide your own loofe-nes in this and the like arguments.For though it be not an Idolatrous a6l to preach the truth of the GofpeJl in a h\(t Cliurch, in other refpcfSs it inay be finne to continue a member in that focietie, and fo alfb to teach the Golpels Trutlis, As it may be fcandalous and cfFencive, an appearance of evil). A man may doe d>atwhereiBitohejsnotcaHcd5fromanevillmind, Alio

(s'O

it may bee fijine co continue in a falfe l-!iurcK, ehougua'i.aB tCAcIi norhing bjt the truth 0^ the Golpell, beraJife h' :annoc protcllc all inaine and fundamental! truHr?, or that border thereupon, nor teftifie againll all corruptions,grofie,h«ereticaU^ reallie IJolatrous, wliich in Confciencc cannot bee tolerated or borne wi:hall wi'hout grofle hyoocrifieordiiTimuIarion; or hee canno: keep himlelte from the tin6ture of T.^V^.tric in pra(^^tct:. As for example, though it be not an Idola:'-ous a"^ for a Popifh Prieft to preach the Gofpell,or adminiiler the Sacraments of Baptifme, yet it is iY>t lawfull tor a Chriftian to remaine as a member in thatfocier/,becau(e he cannot partt-'rc with them m the Ordinances^ but he (lull commit reallldo-latrie, or muil difiemble many grievous and hateful' abo" minacions, which cannot bee diflembled, and fliall bee thought to bee of the fame Religion with them, oi of no Religion, (^c.

The multifude of Authors which yon quote again/! hearing falfe Prop'.ets, or continuing in falfc Churches, doe they not give other rcafons why wee ought to feparate fiom them? or doth any one ever lay this down^as a truth or foundation of ieparation ?

In the page following you alledge fixe reafons, wh'cb you fay may bee r.pplyed agamllthegoing with others to an Idol minifterie, Church orworftiip, dfc. But if they bee of any ftrength, this reafdi whereof now wee Ipeake, {is noughc worth,for tliey are direftly crofle. Here you fay,lf in preaching the truth of the Gofpell he do^ no Idolatrous aft he finneth not,but>here,you fay,be finneth m^ny other wayes.

But in all this you take that for granted, which we confidently denie,/?. That our Churches, worf- ip;, or Minifterie is falic and Idolatrous, And therefore takitig the propofition in your fenle,wefay. It isnotonlylawfiill, but ncccflary to remaine Minilkrs or members of fome Churches, wb'rh lye under your ccnlure as falfe and Idolatrous, but indeed are the true Minilkrs and Churches of \t^\\'' Chiift, graced with his prefence, covered with his banner, and beautified with his Ordinances and tokens of love. And tliat whicii you call an unbleflcd ftanding, wee make no oueftion but it is approved and blefled af Chrill, and thercfojre regard your reviling tkclefle.. - - - -

CAN.

Cm)

falfc Churches and falfe Minifterjarc reall Idols, fct ^j by earthly Princci, S-t. Wholcwvci comes i-.d bowts before thofe Idols cannot efcapcihc juft blame of Idolatry, M/7d^. 7 J.

Jati. ocay. Sees.); ^^g-73-

Jf A PtAtt p::ij<i'fjig anaElionin o. fi^tCy and of pub like ji A' tare he ts if> he conftdered (in reffe^t of himfe/fe) as is that ifate and According r ■ the pnblike Ordinances : For if the Jiate be falfe and the Officer unlawfully it is familifme for him to fajj Hfiorv thif flate is Jet up again ft- the Lord lefm Chrift^ and every 'ioynm^r here to wor/hip, according to the :onftitiition, is an Id^Jiter, but I will have in my felfe a fecret meaning from the reft. This is afurething, {and let it hci notecC) 2^ adminiftrati4n performed in a ft ate, and h^a power and eonflttuted office^ can be foHght, deji. recr. and received, but 'n fo d»ing, the doer {\pioh6io) r^aily approves of that ftate , power and officey bee the fAme laxvfull or unlawfully <tAnd as for any jnAHS fajing^ \.o the contrary^ it is fine capite fabula, t vifion of hts owne Head and will prove as good as the miracles which iannes and l^xrhtts wrought, even meanes to harden his owne hearti and fome othersy at thej did Pharaohs jhj doing them.

Answer.

Can. Stay. Scd You lay it is an eafie thin* to Conquer, if begging might <,.pag(i 66'. Wee procure it, and if confident aiVertions will catrie a maccer,you are no fuch *! hil- wiH not gcc without it. But we muft not be driven from the drcn astogivethe church, the OrdJninccs and wordiip of GoJ, communion e AN Necck of with Chrift ana .onetie of Saints, by an emptie blail of fep.;;.2.'26.Butihis words: Nf, thougli you niamcfullyboart you have proved It wee cannot give by cur owne writings. Doeyouthinkeyour bold impudent

a-, thexr.wncwril neither Scripture, nor reaion, nor audiontie but your owne,as tngsmanifcft. if your ipfedixit. Pope-like were to here ftcdinJ Weeareno Can. Stay. Seft. yj^^/; Children, fVe are not to bt feared n.ith rattles. Youmuft r^fF '^^' i\ ^^i"g ^■'^"^^' '"aff**f t^^^" y^""^ ^'^^"^ fiftions,-and ibundcr t'/ 1 morif"' proofc $han vaine .^petitions of tlie fame things over and over,

C"?

-5r elfe you taiA ?xpe6t Cpu credit co'jcepireiaiiiiu—yc'*.: words.

They tlut joyn cogetli-^r '"n t!:i: worfliip c. C c<^,ic Drdinance? ^*^'- '«LuV. 6.e, of Religion, they approve the faitlvprorcfled.' points tiinda- .''• ^''^^ ^(-tlcfi^r mentall, the worlhip performed tor tlie lub^V . ^1 Ordinances '."^^'"t^i C'^J^"^^* adminiitred an J the trurh of Minillerie tor lut !ta nce.wherebv ^/ii/r) /?^ ?«».-; i-thefe things are diipenled. For of iicc^nitie,[it" ib.t do6Uirc of t'-^ Je^endat £i.c.^. ' falvatipn bereftored,thelawfulufe -^i theminKtery ir -eftcred %^' C ''-'-^^^'^ -alfo. W here God is truelic called upon in r'-.: Congregation, "^A^^Tfi^' and tlic Sacrauiencs rightlie diljaenfcJ^ there is a true nuniftc- ^c^LJioni-fundctX' rie, wkereby thefe offices arc right' ie fixercifed. But tlie par- /*- .ojftdm, r^quam ticular Lawes, manner of Government and orders in the (aber^ perfidU yfit Chnrchj the qualifications or qualities of the ^linillcr ot 4i:^gtrtidefr>(nda. Ccwnmunicants. theirdiiorders,caieleincfle, or other irifcar- i ,, .^, ,,• >nagc in the adminiltration, hedochnotappit>vercaUi<*or m- u:ii.xjocat. %.6, terpretatively by his prefcnce at the Ordinances. If -^he Mi- ^A'-.?r.i 6«. C ft nilters be carelcflCj proud, covetous, luperftitious^ enemies to heavenly »«->ilcr true godlinefle^ friends topiofancnefle; if they afpire after g^vc«s warning dignitie, love p.^heminence, prateagaiiill the brethren, they nuke the pco-Scfe-,£hat communicate with them in die Ordinances of Religion, cure touchino^cvtll doe neither in io doin^ countenance them in finne^ norap- o/erfcers, left foe .prove their doi gs- )i the Communicants be ignorant, earth- their fakes the lie minded, dirobedient, propliane, fcandalous, they tliat f^^'^^ j^^^^n^" ^ommunirate with them in the true worlhip ok God, and fljouij j,^ forfaken therein iiold extern^ U ibcietie, becaule they have not libertie And Traft. in lob, to dtparc thonlelves, norp9wei to caft the othersout^they are 4'5- The Lords . not defik^d v.'ich their liniie, no^ pKcakers in their tranfgrefli- ^°'^ hath fomco-4)n. And. the iame may be faid ot orders and rices eftalilillied children & fomc by the conlticution of men pielence at the ordinance d©th not that be hirclinos, enwrape a Clirillian within the guilt thereof, nor was it ever the pub Ike intentioa of the It.'te, that aU ji.clenf: fhould approve every pariiwhrinfticpuon or ord^r. It futf ceth if tliey approve the tait li profclled, and worlhip performed, which arc of God.

It is trucjthjc by worJSi.worJci, example, fri'?nc^men may i)ecome guiltie of others fms, and tlia: fome kind of uilfimu-4ation is a denyii g oif "ChrifV. 1^'^t it is true withall, ^hat prefence at Gods Ordinances is no diflimulation, nor par\.»ct» •pation in tliefmnesof others, b word, example, filene^or o-ther vwiics. If a man doe one liiingand pretend ancw.^ef, and 'iiopetoiaveliimleite, bvhisfecretmftai\\hi,, yv-*inav rebuke

hv ^'.-pw'-'f <- as th* caufe re' •nrc'-h: Butwc iay? in reparing

J tiic Orr^iaarcfs of God, our heai: ;tn i adions £,oe toge-thc-^ apd both ^fcalioweJ and approved of ^jod.

And here 'nft'cr, whether you doe not direitly confute your fe'^? bj: the Engine of your owne acknowledgment^as you ph«-3fc »r.

, j^j, 5 « Fc h^r*; voufay, no adrT\iniftration performed in a flare

^' P' 78. ''' ^ *" * and by power and conliicuted ofTice can be fought, dcHred and

received. And in your Margin, There is a maine difference j bctwecne a mans ba»-e prefence in a conftituted Ibte, as beiag theic unawares, unwill'T'lie or bycompulfion, and prefence

7d paee 7 K there,of purpofe to partake of the adminirtrations. And a Iictle

before you argue thus, whofoever takes to himlelt-e a practice, which !S not grounded on Gods Wordj and therein is flri(5f.

Id unT\ Sill I ^'^ i' 7^^ overmuch. And many times you inculcate, that you are tc bee underftood of hearing in a Church way, and of Church officers.Now if you dea'e plai lely herein,Iec tiic indifferent judge whether you dcs not more than infinuate, that all hearing in our aflcmblies is not ablolutclie to be condemned, but that wherein a man is ftrift, that which is fought and defircd. And how '"hen can it be efteemed an aft of Ido- , larrie, or compared to bowing do-mie before an Image ? For 1 the worfnip of an Image, though cccafionally done, and that bot once,with what intent or purpofe focver,you wil acknow- a ledge to bee (in : and if hearing the Word preached h our af- If femblies occalionallie be not a iin, you H^vc finned grievouily \l in matchir? it with Idolatric of the moil hainous kind, and abufcd bc'-l^ Scripture and learned Authors tQ countenance your impietie.

Section 8. Can, St ay againft.Seft. f.

J^ tfi heare in 4 fAlfe fhnrch, keeanj lawfuU erdinm^ '^^anr* of trdificHtioPj which Cbrifh ihe onely Teacher ^hiji Chmvi hmh ^^feinud , tfj^n ^i*fit 4ow»e by the

■Cilfj

Apo&le %n Pph. 4. i Z, i *, i j. Tit r^»;0«< >u 'jtc^fip^

Paul thev^ 'netitityneth (iU mimficriall T?fe ^vr ftf ^-je t' -

feU 4mi comp^ea^ hti'dding of the Cha.'ch, from t^^ejirjt

to the laji. nAr.A if Chrifl,. who i>^ tift^^ l.:fl dt^e,

fpt^kes evidently Ij hisGofpell maX c ^rit, hfli)udg. j^^sca, .i.f..^f

ed tt Jit, that t : child^'t Jhomd ^v ffto faffe Chfir - r ,.

ches, hee tvtnld cettAtneij haz; wade fftrffff ihe ffSr^

unto them-

Answf.t*.

The Apoftie in (ht place alledgeddefcribeswfiatofficeri: Oirift hatli given to; and doth approve in his Church, for the miniftcrie ot thewordanddilpeniatiouof the heaver ly r;/-fteiies, and intimateth alio how tliey lliould be qualified and '^^^j-^^i^-* -'iedg behave themfelves in the execuMon of their Office. Eutthe Apoftl*^'^ ^^^ Apoftlc faith riot", that the Church hath, or (liall evermore in- that in thc'^Church joy fuch officers, boch for fublUnceof their office, qualification there hithcrcr h'v\ of gifts and manner of dirpenfation,as are there commended ; ^ *^»fiWe fucccflfior Nor y.t that the Cliurch isonely toheare fuch as he rightly °l ^'^^°"Of J« quahricd, and doc faitiifully execute cheir office. \nnoi ui"ph'''i

I« derogates nothing frosn the gloiy of Ciirifts wifdome And the Anfwcr and faithfulnclTe in providing for the full and p€rfc6lin(lru- »vl>( ij reti?.-ne<t dtionof the Churcn, that i'uch Pallors be fomctimes wanting «o t'"'" by our Di-and cannot bee hao: for he never promifed to provide other- ^hh cafc^'S^'^r'^i wile for them in all ages of the Church, but tol' rhem of the anfwr to the Khem fcircitie which might come before, and in wifJome law it to Ibid, canyp Ibid, be moll for his owne gloiy. Chrilt ne\ er laid this charge up- ^^^nn Myroth. at on the faichfuU to leparars f. om thole tea-'. ,^1 r, which preach- f^\ 4.11. 7{rtt cd truciy the doSfiin-cf falvai.ion,if any exception could bee pj4'J!^s^'^o!%iffe taken agauiil their callmgquahfijation, manner of life or ex- ejufmJi qui ^tus ccution of their office, '^'le PaHors of tlie Church Qiouid be (^ondnxoiHt ineapAf

wife, vigilant, holy .examples to the flock both in '^Ct-int ,' nd "^ 9'^^'** ^-f^^ converfanon, no: feeking their owne but,that which is Jefus Sy^f^at^it Chrifts; And af er they be cholen, diey ibould exCcUtc their meapafct. qui- ' [otficcwith al diligeiic€:But if they becarele(re,cpvetous,pom- b»setfi'.u,ii vlrusf^ ■po^s,, inT.mgling tliemfe^ves' in things of ttiis worlds icanda- t^'^'taiMefi wide lous, ycc - ihey preach Chrilt, and be not.or cannot betemo. ^^P^'-o^'*"* ved, the fathfuU are bound to heare them» ~j. hcFi;initive B i ffiops and Marty is, were neither Payors nor Dof~-ors s .cor-

Q 2 ding

Jlng to ever/ ci'- .umKancc," whicli you'. ;iil require ia a Fa* ftor or Teacher, but ? ne faichftill in tkore times he U con muni- ! On witli; zp.^l iiuard thtcr. as they preached Qirirt and him crucifier'j, and th^i by ihc Cftmmandement and approbation of Cliriil liimfclfe, what was of God, tlicy wereobKgcd to fi^ijnit • rc^ vilely dilUngJ^iilnin^ it from chat which is annexed of man.

In the Officers of the Church;, two things arc to bee confi-dered.

1. Tlje fubfUncc of their calling, which is to feed the flock, ef God.

2. T'ieirqualincation for this office,.their care in execution, and other acceflbries which may be added of man» If for lubftance of office iheit caUingbc '>f God, wee are bound to Rold communion with tlic.^i, though in the quahfication^execution and other adhering circumllances, fome things bee a-miffc, which it is not in our -^ Dwer to redrefle. This our Saviour Chrill luth expreflcly taught and made fcnowne unto us, both by hisDo6lrine and example, as hath beene (hewed already.

Hereunto this one thing may be added; that many Pafiors and teachers in the Church oiEngland be calleJ, qualified and dbc carry themfeIves in their charges and places according to the diredion of I E S V S CH RI S T thechiefe lliepheard ©f his rtieepc,and other for fabftanceof Miaiftery arc Paitors i:nd Teacher-^,

Ca ouy Sc<5t. 6. pag /p.

If to heart t/fnt^khrifti4n C^-Unifiers bee to ferve Godtn If it Mchin the ^^d hy an Ordinancey rvaj or infiitmiondevtfedBy Ido-

ttnth/of ih? Gof '^* "'^ ^^'^ '"^'^^ Idolatersy then it is unfawfntl. But the

j.cl m a folic cmrch firf^ is true. Therefore the fee on d. The fropofition is

no Idol^cry bee HndentahleBy theTreatifers owne tonfefsion (you Oiburd

iotic, thenmaf "^ave faid the airumptioi>j for if the Treatifers words

O^riiTamY of P'®^^ °^^^^^* ^''^y ^^"^ ^^ ^PP^yed thereunto. As for the

his ovrnc deviftrs propcfiti.'n they fpeakc not to it at all, Butforward-

blaraelefie./</.$.5. neffc here and in many other places hath made you for-

\ * * / .•

fff ths SiJhoyffeH'Uftg, andfif the pMriJiesjeh* ti, bt he/tre*

('>i the fittfe of the S^ripUtrs) falfe Prophet *. lint it ismt -^^ ^ g ^

tavefMllto hearrjalfe py<phetJ. The Mfi\(r c proved clear" Snch as hearken f

lyindefenC'ofottrtW'elfthobjeSHon.TLeJ'yiwor^ScertAine Antuhnlts Mini-

hj thefe reafons. i. 1 he hearing of falf. Proph'tsisfor- ^cndothcrcir ap-

l,i(Ueninthe^ordofGod,&c. " Ff°X; ""^ .'^f^

■^ ^ ci: ;ft$ unlawtu'il

. t'jlC: Ckurch and

A N S W E R. theDivcls donati-

on, or his putting

You bufic your fclfe to weave the Spiders web, whkb is °o hVcUkTVons good for little, long in weaving, but fooiic fwep^ downe. h^nj,lJ.§.6p.8^ Gur Miniftcrs be not Antichriftian- MiniStcrs, nor falfc Prophets, (m the Scriptures ilnle)bccaulcth''7 preach die whole counlellof God in all points neceHary tolalvation,and rightly difpcnlc the feales of the Cmenant, by author itic derived from JefusChrift, thcLo'-dard Kingot- his Church , the great Shepheard of his Sheep. At lead they are fct apart to this office, which was never deemed Antichriftian in the Church of Chrift.

But if we take ^iitle words (Antichriftian- Min^rers, and ftlfc ProphetSyinyour Icnlc, for you ufe them in a peculiar dialed) then it is not only lawful! but neceflary to heare fuch as you call Antichriftian Minifters. For it 'v$ commanded in the word, and acceptable lervicc unto God, the meanes to build up the Church: It is to hold communion with God, to reverence his namcto lay hold upon Chrift and It ugc him in our bofomc: It fl\cwcth that a man is one of Chrifts {heep, becaufe bee heareth his voice, and a member of his flicepfold, thefervant of the raoft I •^.' ^ : it manifefteth love and zeale taGod,and is ordinarily bielfcd to the foul and confciencc of the dutifull hearer. And in that which you alledgc to the contrary, you mifallcdgc Scripture, fpeak e\ ill of the truth, revile the heritage of the Lord, ?nd )^rievo''% wound your owi>econ{cience^

The religion profeiTcd, and worihip performed in o\xt£-lemblies is true, not only in refpec^ of the ob jt d:> but of na -.ture, ufe and end, and whatibever circumftances arc necel-larilie reqiHred to law full wor(hip An.^tii - lalfe Prophets mentioned in Scriptui e are of one fort, yourj> of an other, «-Yca the true Miniftcrs ot Jeius Chr'ft.

^3 J^-

thcdcacepcoofe . ; 4t Winch here you affirmc, for tHthcr Can StAv§. la. youfcndus. . ,.

p. 116; 117, The Trcatiler(£S you call hini)propoun': ng this obj eftion

of yours, that the Scriptures of the old and new Teftament, warnc Gods people of falle prophets, which the Minifters of that Chnrch are,having an unlawftUl calling,makcth anfwer, iFy acnying that theScripturcs warn men fimplynot to hear hltc Pr©phets,».tf.any talfe prophet whatfocver. And th*n propounds a diftinftion offels Prophets;that fomc fals Prophets wcrcin the Church of<5odiand thefc might be heard, as they had placp in the Chiirch,tiU they were orderly rcpreficd,or at leaft difcovered; others were not in the Church, but (imply ■without,and theft were not to be heard. This is the plainc and dired: anfwer of the Treatifcr, as every man may perceive^ that is not grofly, ignorant, or wilfully blind. But fee how you> jell and daily with it unconfcionably when you had nothmg to anfwer, i. You fay he peremptorily denyeth the weh&leobjeEiivn^aHdJoconfequentlyajfirmeSf thatatifa/fe Pro-fhets ma^ he hear^. But what new Logickc is this, whereby we may learne to draw fuch confequenccrin former times it hath bcene thought rcafonable to deny an miverfall negative or affirmative propofition, when they hold not true in all Individuals. Nd faife prophciis to be heard. This propofition may juftly btbenyed, if any falfe Pronhet may be h^rd, though all might not. 2 You adde prefently and Vfith the fame i>reath. He Twfaith vphat ketfaidb^ore. But this is a palpable and grofle calumny : Eorhefaid not, that altfalfe Prophets might be heard bv af. nor denyeth what hfit granted at the .firft, that fomc Li bt'-z-^rd: but plainly implyeth adiftin-dion of falle Prophets, which I can hardly thkike-you did not perceive, though you be pleafed fa to pervert his words.' -

If tl^^ appeare any deep and inextricable riddle in the words, you may fitly apply to your felfe, what in this very place you report of Marcfts e^»f pwWs fouldiers, who unawares fell upon an hearb that greatly diftcmpered their heads. Id pig. 11 6. You tell us, The Treatiferjince he lightedupdn this Gourdyhe

is mt l^ke hmfelfe in his other rprttingsx and I can ^^Ay believe it, for in his other writings for feparation he is infoknt, cen-ibrioa% fcornfuU and flighty: In this mild,Ghrill:ian, and for >thc moft part more fubftantiall.

Ci'P)

As yondra>AV!th yocr TrcatL(cr,tofcomc wJut;, oucan-

iK)taniwer,Toyoiidoc with otI.:rs in fl's- vt;} argument, and thar imicb more abfurilie, M .Ci "Br. ini maintenance oFthe Minifterie of the Church of Eng)and.as it is efta- The ufircifonafe." blifhed by Law, diflinguillieth bctweene -lie fubftancc of the otTcpamtion, p. z, Miniftcrie,and the execution tbcrcof, the ctTcntiall parts of l'^^ 7. the Miniftery, and foaic accidentall circumftances adhering unto them by man. For fubftance ( faith he) the prcfcnt ivlini-ftctieofour Church aflemblies, is the very.Minifteric which Chrift liath let in his Church, howiaorcritmay inibinc particular ports of the execution happHy bee ictcdivc in iomc places. The ordinaric minifteric of our Church, is the ordina-rie and pcrpetuall Miniftericgiven by Cnrifutohii Church, Upag. lo. and fuch as the Princes of the earth are bound biy Gods law to protcd and maintainc. Arwi if there be any corruption in and about the lame which they ought to abolil}i,it is accidental or pcrfonall, and not eflentiallto dcftroy the true nature of the p.,oc 8.. minifterie of God. And though it fhould be granted that our people ftand under ibme kinde of obfervances and oflices, which in their own nature and firft originall arc in fbme kind Antichriftian, yet furh a manner of Handing cannot be faid to overthrow, though ir fo*iewhat ftaine the Miniftery of Chrift. Thus is tlic iubftance of the anfwer throughout the bookc. But how doe you confute or take away this diftin- ^^^^ jj r ftion,or weaken the force of this anfwer ? That you cbc not Separ. p. s 16,11*. once aflay by Scri^^ture or found rcafon, but yoU cry out of fhifts and trifling, and contradidjons, bcggerly I fay's, or ifs, bale maintenance of the vileft abominations, anr')*unification of corruptions ger^erally condemned, by the fame carnall and corrupt reafons which the Prelates uf; *d -'oc *. Thatitlerves to ftrengthen the hands of the wickea,g. Wiethe hearts'of the ^ ,„ j^^, righteous, and to dilcovcr his ownevilt halting, and double *^ ^ dealing. The dumb dogs,catcrpillars and idlcbcUics, never had ? better prodor than this man topleadc for the. • mkwfuil ftanding. Tor he faith, The Magiftrate is bound *:oproted their Minifterie. But how can wee bdieve Him, feeing the Nonconformifts teach otbcrwilc?l*hc rcftofyoor anl^ver is of the lame marke, which for fhamc I will not Ihnd to confute. • You lay, any one may fee by hi> worke, that he mcai:: eot to Pjgc i i *•' • tyc hi:, confciencc fhort, but wc'Id m^ke a little bold with i*: ©rthcprefcnt, andfohcOTighi fetch over a fure blow "pon

US,n

Cko)

\

• ns. He cared not thougn with every urokcl'!''. uiadc ^0Hri3s ibrougb the fidics of his brethren But if you b^ able, brings forth one f^^mtcnce, wherein tb^ indifferent may fee, tnaj hcc hath madeLold vnth his conrcieucCjOr msn^r theleaft wound :r. the fide of any brother, wherein he hath contradided him-iclfeorthenonconformiftso juftifiedany abomination, plea-dedfor any corruption 9 or fpoken one word in defiance of dumbe dogs, caterpillars or idle bellies. And if you cannot do this, let the indifferent judge, whether you have not offere4 violence to your confcience, and made tjold to wound your foulc, that you mi^ht tieferae the Minilierie of the Golpell, and (lander the gifts of God in his fervants. This pra<5yceis Antichriftian, .borrcw '. f'-^n the vileft bondflaves of that manoffinne, ifnfitffomi>atanbimfeifc. But I will not defend the Treatifers opinion^ nor trouble my felfe further to examine your anfwer to Malter 'Br. That which I am to enquire mtb is, How you prove all the Minifters of the Church of England, in refpecl of their oflfice and ftanding,t6 be falle Prophets, or Antichriilian, If ought -can be found-to this purpofe, bare words excepted.

C AK Stay fe(ft.i2 pag. iip^ 120.

// an Hnlawfull outward casing make 4n unla^full {^int" Hcr^ then it makes a falfe Prophet, For according to the ScriptureSyit is all one thingyOnly expreffedin divers terms, C^c. Wekno'^no meane hetyoeenc true Prophets and falfe. Id ,p. 12.t. for whofoever is not a true > rophet is .4 falje Prophet, and

Vchofoevrris afalfe Trop'^^i CAKriut he a true Prophet of Cod. } 'i that *j of Cod is atru€ Prophet^ he that is of the T>evilli4 afalfe Prophet -^ neither doth the c'eliverie and ut man 'e of fome truths, make him a true Prophet , for then *he l^evil/JhoMld l^e a true Prophet, yS>hofometJfWsfpeakes the truth,albeit to afinuflertnd. Balaam n>as a very witch, ^ mxardj a jJdfe Prophet, a true forcerer^ famous, or ra^ ther infamous for his '0ivelliflj magickj ^hich hepraflifed timong the kicked idolatrous nation. So Atterfol andwanj jthers/otoo,asJunius, Simpfon,.Fert^s,Canutus, Andbc' fore tkm Origcn, Gr-^.g. Nai-iaqrene, Bafil.

A N s w..

Cut;

Answer.

M {btSaUam, whether he were a Witch,Wizard or Magician, if:, is nof; materiall to the point in hana. If the Treati' Icr diJ put that inf^ance amifle, it will not lollow, that you have truly ^proved the Minifrcrs of the Church of England tc be falfe Prophets, er foundly confuted what hce anfwercd for hirafelfe. And if the Treatifers friends be of your difpo-fition, you may foone heare from them that you have anfwercd nothing, for you have brought the fayings and opinions of men, but reafon out of the Scripture yi have alicdged none to prove him (imply a Witch and a falfe Prophet. And if the opinions and fayings of men. W'U fcrvc the turne, there bee fonie that have thought B^ tc oe a Prophet of God, and that for reafons not to be difregarded.T^/«//ip4» amongft I^"*^* ^"^^ ^"*^' others, thought ^^/*<<ww to be a true Prophet,and fuch a Pro- ^^^^ n lo sc phet, as fhould be numbred among the fervants of God, be- i j. 7 caufe he profefleth that he would askc counfcll of God, and lodi.i j,ii thathe would fpeakc nothing bii what God fhould fay unto Sf^/. CDOn him. And he doth not only £y fcbut inde '^c propoundetn ^'^11'. ^""'•'.^ thole things which be had received of God, and which con- qul'dii^"!^'* fent with truth and pictir. In Scripture he is called a Diviner, which word is fometimes ufed in a good fenfe, to note one that doth prophcfie true things,or wiiely and truly divine things to come. Divinatien or a vvife fcntcnce is in the lips of p^^y i6.\o. Sept Kings. The Judge and the Prophet, the Diviner, and the iJUiV7Hoviii,sag:ic.

old Man. Pifc. Divhatio, i.e,

quaji dhjna:io, I'oc ^f.^ga('Ha<iiqU3lU cji dlvbiMt'iufn. Mcrcrr. in Prov. i ^. 10. Ifaia. j. 3. lum. Sagace:n Pifc. Htb. Dninxtercm.fcdhiCACcipitiaJnbanaTrjXfiem- Scpi.sz^-lw Cdnje^oreffj^Hkron. arb!u>n.J)o-Way. Soach("'}Cr^ Mol!cr.i..-»f»,ur 'fl, qm^hcioc»'nhonamparUm accipitur. Car. ;'« Prov. 16. lo. ^quidemfreqKC)UiJjimcinScriftuf2„f paiH, .nm.dampartem, p;o hlsquiartt^ tusDiabe'issaidita rirM:.tur'.JedAiiquandoethmi «; Ifa. 13. c> Eiek. ij, 6. u/jirpaturm bonnfn fe-.rpii pro his qui aliquid a. ctaipreponunt, quod legitime y vd rsve!ati<medivini,'veifelmiimJC^ pgai9nc aJfiquHiif/mt.

The Prophets divine for filvcr: which is fpokcn of the Pro- Mic.j.: r.^ '^hcts in fudah, Neverthclcffe, feeing he is called a Diviner, f >'^* ^*o *^'>^^ astheyarefaid to take divinations in their hands, y<r//. the n^^.'^xz.V SepK

prcc'tmidivimtionis. iPer. ». 15. Numb ij. 17. SeeKxinold.cCMfkr.prale^. zoi.fi.Hi* I ^von. aUumnUatft iUusirmemde wizi.;ituT)cmimtxurepropheticoiidx'ufci.qiiim Uilcam. Siui \:iir inter ■qux^iomiOn'ipMOYMm banc futjfe a Hft, cm Balaam tamnjtmfe^a de Carijio pradixijjet, ' ihtm & ipfea4 lohii.iecognitiom Abrahan ifijJ[cdocet. D. Hcinf. exircit.fur. in Maf^i.

R wages

wages oi iniquitic,and as there is no divination againft Jftoely that is, magicall incantations cannot availe againft Jfrael^ •whom God doth protcd: with his prefencc, I doc rather ful> feribe to them,\vho conceive that he was a Witch or Wizard, than the prophet of God.

Neither doth the deliverie and utterance of fomc truth make a true prophet, for the Heathen Witches and Wizards, nay the Divel himfelfe hath fpoken feme truth, that he mig ht the better deceive. But as the pofleflion of all fupematurajj truth ncceffacie to Salvation is-proper to the Church: lo to preach the whole counfeli of Cod unto his people, is the fpe-ciall badge of a true Proplict, and the fruit whereby hee is knowne. Marke this well, for (to ufe your ownc phrafe ) it * fhewethallyouranfvvcrtobc^a'^»wJ^ww»«;,avaindream

and nothing elle. It is the note of a faUe Prophet to run when God doth not lend him. But can it be {hewed, that ever Mi-kr. M-'4.* ^5- nifter did teach the whole counfeli of God unte his flocke, V ^f'^'^ abl f f - ^^^° ^^^ not lent of God?Thcplaces cited make it evident, paatioa'p.6". ^" tliat they whom God did not fend, they taught falfe things in Though it be no bis name: as they riui whcn.he fentthem not, fo they prophcr ncwtlvrngthitthe ficd when he Ipake not unto them. In Ibme cafes it is true ^'"oA," °\ ^^^a' ^^^ church for a time may bee without Minifters, as when ^crf things''bring the paftor is taken away by death, or the Church difperfed the truth with by pcrfecution, or the people negligent to procure teachers, tbcmj yftthisisa and the like. But ordinarily the Church is not deftitutc of new thm^ and ne- (^ue Minifters, nor is there a true minifterie to be found but Sre ^Tbt rfic m1^ intheChurch. And therefore fbeing the fGcictie profeffing nifif r$ of Anti- ^^^ ^'^"^ ^^^^^^ intirely,. and holding the communion of Saints> chrift rhould isthe true Church: the Minifters teaching found dodlrinc in esach the whole thofe focieties, and naaintaining the unitie of the Spirit,mu{l ""'^ °f ^J^"' of necelTitie be true Minifters.

f mc^tfaJrof-Thn ^"^ ^^^^ Unlawful! Minifter (fay you) is a falfe Prophet^ jhey fljould' op- ^ot thefc two are all one. This is fpoken ambiguoufly and -pofe dircftly and rauftbcdiftinguifticd before any dired judgement can bee zealoufl; againft pafTed Upon it? What then doc you underftand by unlawful! d^LimT" dol ^i"^^^' Isheanunlav/full.Minifter.wha is-not approved Arints -*of Antil oF^^^^li defigned by Chrift, qualified as he ought, chofen or-chrift, &c, " derly, but out of favour^artialitie) fadionor fchifme ? Or is-|f«ii».i^o fie an unlawful! Minifter,. whoteachcth corruptly, feekcth

Kot that which was loft >v.bind6th not up that, which wa»,

brol

Cam Ncc eff. of Separation, page.

If one bcf ordaiu-edaPaftoraaccor^ dmg to Chrifts inliitution , hec hath artainly lawful! miniftcrie, howro€Vfr thiags fliall afterward fail out , )Ci though' hcc Diould fing MafleandMattcns as hce fpcaketh. Buthteas^-fth, if aay, that is in bis wits will fay fa«?

broken, puts not the weakc into his bofome, gi-If vct'h tHe godly, ftrengthcncth the hands oF the wicki^d and walkcth prophancly ? Is he an unlawful! Miniftcr who being a fecrct hcrctike, is chofcn and ordained by the communitie where hee is toadminifter, without ductryall and examination, or being raflily and unadvifedly ele(fVed,d©th after negled his dutie altogether, teach pervcrlc things, adminiftcr coruptly, fing MaiTeand Mattens ? If none of thcfe be unlawfuli Mini-fters in your eftecme, it will be no lofle to us, if we grant whc propofition: for we may boldly affirme, if you fearch our Miniftcrie with a candle and lanthorn, it will bee found true and of God. If you take a falfe prophet and unlawful Miniftcr in that ftrid fenlc as to exclude all the fonner, there is not one Miniiter a member of our c>hurch,that can be a falfe Prophet. If you take all thdc for unlawfuli minifters, then all onk vvfuU Mi niiK-i s are not 'alfe prophets in your account. Or cllc,itish\vfiTiito hold coaimimioa with fomc faUe prophets, which you peremptorily would feeme to deny.

jcs , and pr-vc jc

alfo; andifhec himfclfchndnotwintedfomewit in this point, he would noc thus have confounded ohc thing fo ablur ily with another, for as a ^ cifon may bee a feirant or fub-jcd truly and fully,ar«! /ctdocafLCtwatiUthe anions of thuvcs, rebels* trnitors :fo atnan Biaytakcatrue MiniOine by ordination, and yet in hii life and dofttinc doc wickedly, an4 dtfcire juflly to be depofcd.

The wsnt of an outward calling, you fay, makes a man an anlawfull minifter: and fo you might fay, doth the want of right qualification and-conlcionable difchargeof his duty,for 'God hath threatned both the one and theother,that they lliall De no priefts unto him; both the one and the other are idols in phrafe of Scripture. Buthecanncbea minifter in a foci-etie of Chriftians, profeflin^' the true and intire faith, and enjoying the blefling ot the Sacraments, who is utterly dcfti-tute of an outward calling. In fbme Churches the calling is more compJeat and exadthan in others, and at fome times things have beene more orderly handled than at others : but inallChurche^tkercisan outward calling, and effe(5hjallto the truth of the minifteric.

Long (incc it was objeded againft the Nonconformifls, that they fay, the Gofpell is not truly preached in EngLnnd, becaulc there is no lawfiill calling to the minifterie,whcrcun-tathey have returned this anfwer: We do notfay,that there

R 2 is

Icr.i.f.

Ter. de pYafcr?pi, advof. Haret.cib, Vndt am em extrnnoi ^mmici Apo^o'ii hxreth i, nifi tx di. 'vcfitaie do^ivue, qiiom umfqHifqut defuoarbitrto^ ad-verfitS /ipoftolosj auC prottUitajUiecfpir^

k no lawfull, or no ordinaric calling in England: for we doe not deny, but that he may be lawftilly called, which is not oi> dinarily, as Luthtr, MeIani}ho», ZuingliHs: and thc^c bee places in England, where the Minifters are called by their pari{lies,in luch fort as the examples of Scripture doe (hew to have been done before the ElderQiip and government ofthe T C repl I anfw ^hurch was eftabliihed. I know not any that faith, the Goto the exhigr.p. 3.' fpcll is not truly preached in England, andby thofethatarc not of the fime judgement, that the admonition to the ParU** amcntisofc

Can. NecefT. of Separ. pag. 55.

TheMinijierj ofEngtau^iOS it is efiablijhed hj /rfW, dotP^ certainly depend upon the 'Bijhops cal/ing Tpbollyjandfio manr elfe: and if any in the Land ft and other nife hee Cannot pro* perlj be [aid to be a Minifter of that Church, but rather it

Id.p. 5 7«. afchifmatikefrom ity according to the forntallconftitution

efity ^c. The moft free Parijb hath but only a liberty to Admit of a MiniHer^ before made by the "Bijhopjyfo that the-people give him not any party much lefe thejubf^ance of his

5d,p.6j, callings but abarepermijftononly to exercije byvertueof

that calling. But none may heare or havefpiritualtcoHimu-

Id.i\M 3. '"''^' ^'^^ /"^^^ ^ MiniUerie, ^hofe calling doth effentially

depend upon the Bijhops calling. If the minifterie of the Prelates belong not to any orSnarie afemblieSy then w tht. fame /IntichriSiianyandJoconfequently is that which is derived from it. And fo much from their own principles wee-

Id.p. 2 E j; have formerly proved. The MiniFlerie begotten by the Pre--

latesis illegitimate andfalfe.ljay thopc^hich take their offi-^ ces and callings from them^ are baft ardlyCMinifters, The-Ordination ofPriefts andDeacons by the Prelates isunlaVi'm full and tAntichriftian, andthe Miniftery isfalfe, folong as they doe retain thatfalfe callingy Vvhich they tooksfirft of

id^.4 j; the Bijhops, they of the Pope, and he from the Diveli fVho-'

foever he bt that dealeth Veilh the holy things of God y and

Ste C A N Stajr.S, Tporketh upon the conjciences of men ^ by vertue of an ey^nti'-

^'?i7.^-7^'i chri^ian poorer, o^ce and calling, him the people of God.

ought not to receivey orjoynethemfelvesunto. But all the FiVrfonSf FtcarSj Pmjh Prieftsyflipendmes^&ejhatftand

<ovfr ■

ever the Church Affemblies Irt Bn^!a>id, deale with the ho^j things of God, artdworke upon mens confciences by venue of mn tAntlchriJiimfo^'erfOlJice and calling.

Answer.

Vpon this oneprop li eth alfthc weight of your buildings whc em you ftrangely triumph, as if you had flopped the mouth of the Non-conformilts for ever, that either they muft goe backe trom what they havewritenagainfttheabufesof tlic miniftery, or confefle they have laid and unlaid as occail-ons have changed, now maintaining that as right, which even now they condemned £S falie and Antichriltiar. And this you prefle ove. and over with great confidence and inlolen-cie. But this flay I have plucked out of your hands ah-eady, and flicwed tlut this exception hath no weioht or foundneflc, either from truth or Non-conformifls principles.

In anfwer to this renewed blaft of words, I will briefly repcatc what li.ith been proved more at large, g;//j,^ Chrifliaii

Fitlt, the Mimfters of the GoipelI,.derive not their au- fubjeApart i.f/i^tf thority or office from the Biiliop,PatroYi, Prcsbyterie or peo- apf. Bifhopshive pie, but immediately from/f/wrf C^rijt, whole lervanrs they '^^''' Authority to are, whole words they preach, whofe Sacraments they admi- P^^^'^^n^J'dmi-niftcr, whofe flocke they feed, by whom they are prorefled, mcnts* not froin and to whom tb.ey mult give account. If he be an Antichriftian the Prince, but Minifter who derives his authoritie from the ClafTis or Biiliop> fiotn Chrift Him-he is A'ltichrillianlikewife wIm) derives it from the communi- ^'^'^*^> ^"^ teach aH tie of the faithfull: for neither the one; nor the other can j uft- ^rfT' &c,on,\f ly challenge that authoritie to themlelves. hin, ,publike libcr-

lic, 'without lct©r difturSance to doc thit which Chrift commandcth. Id.f.^o^. The charge which the Preachers and Bilhops of England have over their flocktproccedeth neither from Ttkeenos 7ojni,nov dependeth on the will or word of any earthly oreature. ChalhTicr Credo, fecond part §. 1. He which confcrres Baptifrac and Orders as the piincipall Donor is Chrift : the Bidiop or Paftor confer* them only as his infltumeni. ^4ugufi. corner. Cnfim. I.4. c 6. per nmifiros diffarii Dei n.wiw aqu.l: tfi, quia n n illorum fed tjas eji. Can. Stay. §, 5 .0.60. Auguft. in Tfcilme 10, Chr:ft fcnthiin that betrayed hit» ; BilfinChTiH. fubjtd : part. i.p. 8^0. 1 he ehoftly workc is Gods, the bodily fcrvice is the Prkm, wherein Jftdanht thiefc, Si^^ Ifjja the Sorcerer jCS'-f.may challenge as /amsf %K9. . .1 -• * -'

The Bifhop, Colledge Ecclefiarticall or Church, cannot tnake a Miniitcr formally orvertually, but only as Srewards they put hitn inofiice whomChrifl: the King oF Saints anci head of tlic Church hath dcfigned. Wherein, if Paftors or people (hall walke dilbrdcrly, challenging more than of righc belon-geth unto them, or giving up iheir right through lloch, negligence, ignorance or lecurity: or noc attending unto the cU-, re6f ion of the great Shepheard of the flocke, Ihall chuie a man

unfit or not well qualified, or (hall proceed raflily, tumultuoui^ ly upon mifguided atFe(5tion,in that weightie bulinefle; though they incurre juft blame and reprehenfion, yet that makes not a nuUitie of the Miniftery, or of the Ordinances difpenfed upon that Ele6lion and Ordination, Your felfe tel.'eth us, and that from the exampk of the Scribes and Pharifees, That men being lawfully called to the Miniftery are to be heard, howfo-ever m fome Qualifications defective* And if difordcrly proceeding in election, or want of juft and fit qualification in the perfon elefttd, do not make the cltftion voyd : how (liall the meere want of confent in the people caufe a nullity in the mi-niftrarion ? If the careleffe or wilfuU negle6l ot adminiftrati-V f lublcneffe ®" ^^^ execution of his office caufe not a nullitie of the of Scpar. f.56. choyce, why ihall the lacke of the peoples fufiFtage, whick They may acknow they voluntarily have given away, or otherwifc loit, make the hdge a further cal- ordinances difpenfed by him that is chofcn to be of none efiPeft? ^^°8 dia-> '^^'^ °' 2, Tlie confent of the people is not requi red to make a man no^t the "in re-^^ fimply a Minifter, neither doth E^ifcofali Ordination make a nouDcciheciUing man tlic Minifter of this or that people. Therefore it doth re£«ived from not hinder, but a man may bee made Mmifter by the Bilhops ihcm, for the Pre- according to the conftitutions of the Church, and a Minifter ^*Di mM^and"' °^" ^''^^ °'' ^^^^^ peoplCj by the free choice, approbation and con-having approved fent of the faithfoll. So m the fourth age of the Chu; ch,lora-their gifts, and by times the people would chule a Minifter, whom they thought words and Let- meete, and afterward bring him to the Bifliop to be admitted ""i "^^^e°f w ^y ^'"^' *^ appeareth in the worke of Chryfofiowe de Sacer: M^cifte 'thc^lAini- o*^ ^be chufing of 'Bafl, when lohn ChryfoHome himfclfe ilery of the Goi- gavchim thellip. Sometimes the Bi'hop would e(pic a meete p;eU, Uicy doc net man himfelfe,and require the confent of the people to chule, is therby thruft them j^ appeareth by Afffnfttne in the e]e(5f ion of Eradliu to be his

Aa Examin, j^V ■ 5* '^^'^ Papifts themlelvfs who ftand fo much upon the ne-^M: Cen./. 3j, ceflitic ol fucceffion^ and oriiination by three Billiofs, accor-

■-. ' / din^

cTing to the conrtitutions of the Churchy are);et forced to acknowledge, That to know that Partors are true, there is re- ^'^^•'^£f''-'-3w quired neither faith, nor lawflill EIc<ftion, but thisoneJy that (^'^^ •^'^^^ they be acknowledged iuch of the Church, and that they hold the place of Chrill de fu^o, though nat de jn^e. And feeing you pretend to builJ upon theNon-conformids principles, you may take noiice of tl>eir jjrofeiTion, which is this. Bap-tifmeadminidred by Popifh Piiellsis good'andliifficient,,and they are to bee accounceJ forMmiflers, though tScy bee not gooJ and lawful! Mm-lleis, butuCuipersand intruders. The like may be (aid of Iuch as withour ordinary calling, counter '

feite themfclves to beMinifters, and fo deceive the Qiurch. "^" Fximin. of In thcfe t!ie fcaet coafent of the Church receiving them ?^'^] Ccn.oy.MX for Miwirtii'S, untill. their wicked ufurpation bee efpied, may "^

be fufhcieat to authorize their miniltery toward others.

Ca n. Neceflr of Separ. Tagc 234.

If: I were not u»rviJUng to give occafion unto the Bif^opi to »»-fu!t over tbefe meTtj Icsfffd he»ce manifefl: much had dea-ling in them ; hnt I will forhettre for the yrefenty and. da referre the Re^a^er to their orvneprinciples, which ii-, that Jd. page x^ ^. all Ecclefafticall officers ought neceff^rily to heemade bj ^ an. NcccfT. of the free choice of the Conqrez^tion. wherein t her are to ^f^^-P- ii«. Aie. administer. And,tf they can prove alltbis, J doe not fee, earth bound by bttt the Contr over fie may eajilj be taken up, betweene them Gods Lavtcs to and the Bifh'ps, only then they hav; jufi caufe to begge mai«tainc the or* pardon of them y for their pleas againfi their Prelacy, and diaary mmiftcryof the mnine heavy accufations,which they havepMt up hth to ^^^ Affrmblics-^ frinces and Tariiamejits againft them. fromiJmVto" imo.

(hamfuUy oiockcdr and .ibufcd them*. A^N S' W • E K.-. ■ jn<riving To ear-

neitlyforihcic aydcj tohayeand* Here you play the Rhetorician, and make (hew what you* place-thereof, could do?, but that you will for tlie prelent take fome com- Can. Stay.Scdl-,.-paflRon upon the Non-conformifts. Whereunto I will rcturne »• M' J^* n3 other anfwer, than what you have made corny hand As^ for your minfing figure of extenuatioHj (I could hence ma-mfieft) I like it nor. I'or you do here none otherwife than if a

Thiefe>-> I

•>v ^

C AN.iStav.§.a; page J J.

Vnreafonabl. of Separ. page f ^ I know none hav-ing'reccivcd Ordination from the Prelates, that need dcaythat ihcy preach partly by vertuc of the Mini ftcrylwhich they have taken ftom tbcm.

T. C. rcpl. I. Ep By cxcrcifing unlawful! authority, and by taking uRto them partly fuch things, as belong by no meancj unto the Church, and partly which are common uato them, wich the whole Church,or clfe with others the Miniftcrs and Governoursof the fame.

TWefe, when hee hath ftri^tar^anoutof alldutheehatbj would faine yec bee counted mercifall lathat hedo'l»not 'murder him or bindc him, as (bme^' have done, Let any indififere' c man read your writings^ s> •'-. will fay, you have notfparec y<^uroppolltes, but Ihot at then. Virowesof bitter words,and made them as odious a \d vile as man can do. But blelfed is hec that is not offended at the truth for fuch things. Looke upon your felfe in that which you fay agair!!: your oppofites. You refcrre your felFe to their Principles, and they make nothing for you,as it hath beene alreadly (hewed, and you might fee yqur felfe, if you did not fhut your rjyes,

Ths r^afo:! w.'ch he*- /ouoriiig, i;; but you or ne faying, (aid over many times, and indeed bewrayeth more cunning, than reafon, truth or Con'cienej and (to fpeake in your phrafe) /cp'hif^ry than '^ ---Itv.

FfV ii: p.'aine term?s uii» is ^ i '- forme of arguing ; If the Er>iicopall ordinationbenotameerenuIUcie: if the mini(te-rie of the idle, careleffe, prophane, yea of the learned, godly . and painefull, be not a meere Idol, then have the Non-con-■ formills juft c^ufe to 1 "ggc paruon of the Prelates: which hangeth together as a rope of fand. The minillery of the Pr'efts, Scribes and Pharifees was true in time of tiieOldlv-rtament, and in the dayes of our Saviour Chrift: had the F i o-phets then and our Saviour juft caufe to beg pardon, becaule tiny ?ccuffd then of ignorance, pride, tyrannic, contempt of the truth, oppreflions, hypocrifie, as b-ind guides and ravening Wolves., "ho fpoylcd and made havocke of the Hockes.

The Non-conformifts never deemed theminifteryof the Churchef England^orthefubltance^rc^rflfentiallpai:s,ther-of to be faKc and Idolatrous, nor craved the aide of the Prince and Parliament, to have it quite, or in part, aboHQied (you ha"e juft ca^A to begge pardon that flander them in this manner) But they complaineof abufesintheminifteryjand thefe they defire might be reformed ; That the minilleiy might be more pure and incorrupt. They complaine of the ufurpa^ tion of fome, who challenge that as peculiar to tlierafelvcs, which belongeth to their brethren in common; who admit the bafeit of thepeople, into the office of the miniftcrie: doe that by their fole pkafure; vvhich Ihouid be done by common

Counfe^l,

CoanK'l!; ind di/T?ud the confenc and approbation of the Ki"g C/muiiu Chur'^h, both i> ' ..aations and excommunications,: and ™^<|^ * i-avv by j>frhe nuniO;£- . ....- Churct; oi England be tri.r for liibihnce hi^Ss n rr/ik--might 'ti\fv »iOC wichour blame dehre and cr..\-e .he reformat!- //^^ That Bifl»op« on of tliis .ibufe ? they complai e of tlie porr pous Non- refi- fcc Picachers anJ dents who feede themfelvts and regard not the r'j-I,:. ftnve Teachers of Gods Af ix prefermenc and lieape up hvings, but labour not in the J^]]^'^"^ carehiU word and do^trincjnor look aKci tlic welfare of mcas foules: vvorks. ug^. 26 ° dxey accufe th-fe as the poyfon and banc of the Church, or un- An6 that every -tuthfull ll'epbcardi, who leave the tlocktobedilperfcdand Chr itianlcarnefo fcattcred, and yec th;y will x-utiu, their mimilery isfalf: oiu^lij that hccan .or Idol'u..usor.*nc'erenuilici2, doccht> then(hancftjllly Ih^trueundetftan .mockeoB abufethe Pihxce or Pc^rliament, m petitioning^ that ding th-rof.namc-.dusjgroflecorruption n?'<;ht bercfornwd J They accufe the ig- ly.the Lord's Piay-lioranc, Caiclefle, piophancA'tfniJ* :f negletc of'd\cirof- ". and the Creed, ' fice, and unworthy apypl:..- or ftaucling nf honour ii? the rh^'if "°^ [.° ^T houfe of GOD :' have they caufe to aske pardon of ehic ^cXr ?obee"ad ,^0, if they {ha|l,thiak;e their mmilleri^raay be eifectuall to mme<^ whiles he •a^ihefaitlif'^U?. ,^ " r lireth to the Lords

V; AMiniilcrlawfuJIycalled (fa^ yoi-Jacco'-^ingtoChrirts Tabic, &:. lihftitution, is incbntin'?ntly Upon,his outward lawful! calling icTdo'flt^sf^ * £ '.i-uc Miniltei,. let .jj-^ .pracuc^s^^ftcrvvard bt: good or bad. thpr^c^'tc'iT^r^'' 1 t*ut caG^ cf^en the Churcjv|^ould a:qdle iuch a Miniller, utter- dus Epifnfp.t/u al-Ily cegleiS^ing hi^,ch^rge^ cj- mfiiningto fay.MffleandMac- (K>rtftitatu» fiptv \ J^fcns, orlooleand fcan^aiou<ii'beb.vu)ur, a^unWortliicbis "¥'l^^'fi dUaba-\ ^placc and office,bayctIieyjulVca.ufe to crave pardon of him,be- MainTfubtrnk'!^ \ ^<;aufe ^they acknowledged hun-to be a MitijC- ^ jbur uriworthi- magnamdebethabert ]y!?'Mafiy abufesnactqbcco|9riitednjaydeH'et;otl)f^l^ cautelam; C kv.

■" nL:Lid ^iwi .::ifi3i>n5>l«fnoibnL:oi-3idllfW \(3d3,,ir;obj2i dine circumvalLn. Jlr.^i'i'T. AuVAhi-:>\lii^^^'^.o^\ij jy^'iaUQ^ .'iO( flnis^i ...»

.... :ni (XfcT;uo\(') ;'?zn amc;! .t.;:!: Id noi35aiIqq£ 3fb nf ..vvAiMi\ih i^-iaWi-i

bnA ■r:Jivb3to- ;-ii;?dJ3.iiJ:i\.^''^^^-'T oi;3.'n>..lnc''/ " -' "^' ''

mumcateinafalfeminifterj. Tar. Csm. t?^^f^lfyff(j. ,0.^^^, i^^^

v.-1^ rti3«f Pfal. 15. f. $6,

Admon. i. to tac failiamcnt p. 17-T,_C. reply i.pa^.

Can. Stay.p. y. 61,63,71, 113, ^ 118, 119, Skc.

itht a true cMiling ; and a Itttle after hrfaith. That fa much being difcovered, a (^hrifiian ntuft (hut his ettre a^din^ them, and fiye front them di from Wolves* : AitifxnlMt in Match. 7.15. ji^ith the like. C°f^ *** -Prov.vio. 20, f^eAketh as much,andgheth thu renionfor it, beeaufe they defiroy both bodies and foules of as many as either. k<leeve er reverence them. Zanch in^PhiL .5.2. RoUoc, cow, in lThef,%. II. page.'zz'^. Rii/Jn'^hl-, id. jtu^rfja.jg. Oetolamp.in \(3L,ca.2,foI. 20. C7<i/.«« Pl'ai. 16, Fen.tn Songj i.6«7, Ci>rnel. a Lapid : (^ottjjn Iohni?/>,2. fige 505. faitb^ ^^{f^ Minifiers are favoureA and approved lift their t$nitnv'f»H vay, .Tiffhentheyar£ Jseard. Par* in Hofca.i \ .i. .SeduL i» *i Reg. 5. tMartjr loc xamp, up. Vireit.Gr^tmds^ iniibi-z^m 03. Ziamh.isKfrtiC^'^,

Answer,

Blaming your-Tit«tfer that he cttnei fa naked into die field, vou lay, I never law in my life an. error he^d by a n>an of Hearmn^, that hath h^Q brought to councenanct it than this. For whereas others doe commonly r^uotc Scriptures (albeit mif-applyed) -and all^d^e' for thctelf^flves the judgemerics of "bther men, KfrgoctH 'Aot ^istva]f''i6'wofte. And better ic i*'tW goe pisinely iaiit! tobly toW<ifke-iit^eyefcttcc6f his ti^ilfejthan to Wr«ft Sdipture. mii^ailfed^e'Authors, and'libiife a jffrew df learniri^'tolediice and beguile thefimplc. 'Blit -you^^wvcmadt' dibyfefof thidltiofetommon, though the inoH -feiAflP tJiorft.' :' Vbu- ^^>etend' Scriptnres^' but handlfe fhem a--ftrtfft-'r^'^bt^Atfthrtb;- titat chop-and''cliany^ their w^fds, force them to Ipeake, what they never meaiif * *tifi9 wh^ail isjdone, they will bee found to make nothing for, but direct againft yor. You make ule of Logicajl Maximes and Theological] Principles/ feut*^yoti^ rAijftkes^re grofle and palpable in the application of them. Some men (^youfay) in matters qfc <9i?tj:9^fe. ?yt« •jyjt -^\g^:tl»{^ i^ /^If^peacc oi Ccnlcience,fb i^iey mr>y^gainc their fuppoiedvi6^ory« And if you have not offered violence to your Conlcience in ■tfcilfd'^lcJft^^v^yt^ l^«W)t^dVilfemyfcti^n^dfettdWbat^you

,aaciWfc,awl<^fe- *--^ 'T\)>ii^^*^«fei^te[^ln%ffie^ti6\^ats nblf^merly

C ANStAV. Scd:.

12,/>. 119,

OmhU ffidmiic in-4£Ul^i ■Scnpn-ri^i

Ambr, iniui hi a-n'lmoptrdant, jnodo viHeres abfcedanl. C AN.Ntceff. of Scpar. p. 117. Tenul. de rirfi. veland : If Chrift

VJher and others obferve out of TerfuQian.) W lutfoeyer is firll, thatistrueft, and what comes afcer, is aduJcerate. Th« CAM Sta f <a-fiirift ifl any kind or lore ot things, is truelli and bed, fo i='*fA^. x.p. \\_ -^p,^^^ ^ This is Cpoken of the ptime,firft,originall being of each thing, chrifi. Ecckf. fuc which is a fare proofs of goodnefle and perfeiHon. For all ".f^/?'*^-'^-i/'.'9 defe6ts found in things arelwarvings, dechnings, and depar- ^.^^^'^°'^ '^^ ^^^■ tares, from their originall and firlleltate. For truth is before c A N. StSca! falle-hood, and good before evili, and habite before privation. ■2./>. 1 1. For with But you miferably apply that Rule to the tiill judgment of the reverence to the feparated Church ui London^ concerning the hearing of the P^''^^^; From the Word preached, in our Enghih Aflembhes, asif itmuftbce noub'"^ ""^^ truell, becaufe it was firll, and their after judgement adulte- Bafii^.jg. Nort rate, becaufe.it followed. eji aquum utqua

• You dillinguilh not betwixt the effeft and the event; which "^pf^dipfos obtmuit I will noc Sy wasdoneignorantiyorui^.adviiedly, «*Torca- ^^"r'*f('*^^»prol(ie « fon from the effe6l of things (you lay) i5unlound,andun- taZTflinlTtn^ ** concludable by the Scripturffs. This is, as if a man would k; Anfw.'irftanf." " fay, the Midwives which lyed to Tharoah, did much good /». 3«. I grant your *'to the IfracliteSt&c. And then you goe forward to pro- church isancicnr, ** duce teftimonieSjChat thin?,s are to be eftcemed by their cau- } "^^^^ "'° ^ ■f* Ccs, and not by the cvcnt,and that things are not true,becaule ing then the moft j*'ufeful). ancient (by your

But your Pilioier argneth from the effect, not from owngrant;i« moft

the event, from the proper etTe^l, not the effect by accident, ";"e> &f.

as you might eafily perceive, butthat you tooke liberty tod e ^^« N. Stay,

ride what you could not anfwer. Thus he argueth. The Do r. ?. ^tepU a 70

■ 6lrine taught in the Church 0? EngUnd is the found and true d. t. w. The b«-'

do6lrine of falvation, profitable to beget ^aith, and to build <^wj of the spod,

men forv»'ard unto life eternall (not by accident,but of it felfe j .^•.^- VVarres are

and is ordinarily bitfled of God to that end ?nd purpole: Jaul'andnotby

Therefore it is not unlawfull to lieare the word preached in their confcqucnccs

their afl'emblie'. What you talke of C4»>»« murdo', Indai Wilson Chriftian

his Treachery, the good that comes by Schifmes and Hcrefics, fubjcd pm. j.

is only to pleafe your felfe with by-matters : for the argu'-jient M« *^ ^* is drawne from the proper effeft, in reipecl ©f meanes inilitu-ted,appointed and blefled of God.

This Canon is true, if truly ap^.lyed, and rightly limited,

pKrittm f^r ratio ef^t&centrarior m cddemefl ratio.'But zs CAM. Stiy. fcA.

you apply It, no good Logician would acknowledge it. For Ji^*^*',^" though the word which doth ordinarily beget men unto God^ pughc to bee heard, yet wee cannot conclude on the contrary^

S • ' tb*;

die woiJ which doth not ordinarily beget i? not to bee heard. For the word is but a moral I caufe or inftrument of faith and repentance, whereby the Spirit worketh not neceflarilyjbutiir plealurc. It" therefore the Spirit worke by the word as his inftrument, it is oi' God and wee are bound to heare it: But it God worke not by it, effe6lually to faving converfionj it isof him notwithrtanding: So this affirmative is true, finne defer-v«tn death: but this negative will not follow on the contrary, good works delerve Ilk. Por of jufticedeathis duetotlie Tinner as his wages, but etcrnall life is the gift of grace. The Papifts argue thus. Difgrace done to an Image tendeth to dif-honour God • and thercibre by the Rule of Contraries; Honour done to an I nage, tendeth to the honour of G o d . Their inference and yours turne both upon the lame hinges. ,y^j And I might truly lay unto you in V our owne words. Have

you not here (lie wed your Iclfe an acute difputer, for to pull downe Bet be/ you build TahU- to condemne the true hearing of Gods Word, you commend Idolatry. Confiderther-fore your owne reafcMis, and benotforadiand hadietodil-grace your brethren. Cam Stay. Sea. Your oblcure tranllating of Philofophicalt Canons, Iwiil 2-. pag 54* "^ paflcover , as ReU'.A ffint fimul nathnt, which youEnglifli G jk N. Stay. Sea. tlius ; Relations in nature are alike: and apply it as ftrange-9. p>g. io3o \y ^ualii caufi, taieca/tfatnm^ yo[iti-^n([2itc thus; As is

the cauie, lo that which is cauled, of the doing of the thing : M«w cfua idem femper facit idem ; which you render. As is the fame fo alwayes followes the fame effect: whereby you turneprinciples or Canons at leall into riddles, and it is hard to fay, whether your interpretation bee more obfcure, or miiapplication unieafonablc f to Ipeake in your language) as vaine as ever man made.

For that which is ipoken of caufcs univocall, neceflary and

proper at kail thatyoureferretomorall inftrumentsj as if

the word preached by wicked inllruments might not bee effe-

ftuall, or a man could not heare an ungodly Muiifter preach

c Q A the Gofpelljburh'^muft partake in his Hn.

pag*Sc«fl!3!^6!i7'. ^^^ ^*'^ ^^'g^ '" proving what IS not queftioned; asth'.c

id.'sta.\'^ag.-L^'. God muft bee ferved ?.s he hath appointed t Tha'„ it lufficeth

&/(il.i.p.^o.fia not to intend a good end, but the meanes muft bee lawfull:

1. p. 49. /"^f. 4. p. Tliat men muft not bow their knees to an ]dol,under pretence

^^-^ii 6737^,7s tliat they release thek hearts unto God; TJiat wee mullhee

Cm)

^irneft and zealous again!!: f Jolatry : Tli^c^rh? matter of vvori (hip mndbc grounded on the wbtd, and"that it n^tift be dcn^ Gonlcichas CiaU ft? a right-aDdrlawfuU mafiner, ordcr;form orit"ay: That thje "ever find .my furc lawof Godistheruleot'confcience; That cuftom miifl not V^^'-^o f"" "«tO: prcfcribe againft truth; Tha( we muft not doc "evill that good ^"' °"'^ God^c^//. may come thereof, with other the like, which you know wel/j ^ your Oppoiites do believe arwi maintained But th»t G©d is not worlhippedin ouraflemblicsas he hath appointed: -Tliaf toheare the word preached in our congregations is pdniiciotis Idolatry ; that the means therein be unlawsuU, that the mini-fterie is Idolatrous; or the worfhip vainc-^that you prove nor^ cither by Scripture or any learned &: approved Author,wliar-focver you brilig in both your bookes to *his purpofe, befides youriown percmptorie a(5^ions may be ihwt up in few words. The Authors which you quote, ajTsoftimesabufed, you mangle their words and make them Iceme to fpeak what they never meant or intended. The truths they teach (you fay) C A NScayfca-s» Ipeakingoftbe.Miniftersofthe Engli(l> Church) are from I''^7. God, but theoHiccwhich gives them power and'charge to fpeakc them is from Autichrift, and a fpeciall chaiadrcroi marke (as the learned write of the beaft). Thus faid lohtt siKononKcv.p:tg. C/j^j'i^o^aMartyrofChrift: The Bifbops licence to preach '-^• , the Word of God. is the true charader of the beafl:,that is,of ^^^ ^ ^*°"- ^'^*^' Antichrift, The like M. "Ba/e jwid others. But no word foun* On^l'cy^cn 14 9 ding that way^ is to be i'onni in M. .J";wow/,Since their law of Though ptkils & Confirmation was made (faith hee) the Bkhop with thf^ Dcaeons for prcj-Chrifme doth figne the partie in the forehead with the cha- chmgGodswotd^ radcr ot the crofle, And fincc they made their new office or "^'"'^^'^S ^j^^^-^-iacerdotaU, thus they make their caticchumine. The child or vSSc;>ior partie is brought to the CliurchdooreSj wheretbePrieftma- bee grounded en keth a erode with his thumb on the forehead of thtchilde. Clods !aw,yct have and at the font, the prieft makcth a erode in the right hand ''^'^^^ ^-^'^ toman-of the child, &c. Thus this Author, but to your purpole not "h^renf i ^'S!? one word. M. 5*?/^ was fofarre from condemning the office /^^,'^ J ilsi of Bilhops fimply as Antichriftian, that hee himfclfe was Bh 5145 ftiop oiOJyrts in Ireland; And how likely it is then, that he flioul.d ablolutcly condemne a Bilhops licence to preach the-GofpcU of Jefus Chrift in the Churches of Chrift,as the mark and Chararter ohhc beaft,let any man judge? What he might Gondcmn,in Ibme relpedand confideration in popifh bidiops, ^ they ftand fworne iiaves, to that Antichril\of Rome ; that

S 5 <:an»-

cu: p.

cannot be drawn to the tcftimonle of: Bi(kops, who have caft Can Ncccf.^^ off the authoriticjan^ renounced the dodrinc. of Antichrifti fcpv^p^i j;i;'■' And the^fan^jnay bee anfwefed to; the teCUraonic of f«hff

' ■• : <■• 0-'j4p^' >':'.!, ■'^'' :.<-'-u

Youinany times repeat e, that upon tjae NonconformiftS

• srounds to rcturne unto the fervkein the Chiirch of Eng-r

End, is to joyne with idolaters H\ Idolatry. Tliis no doubtis'

a v^ementacG^fsrtiprt.Ji it can;behoved: if k be rallily wct

miied, tlien"it is?6 p^cnt a flanider: Bitt ground outoftho

Noncon^brmiils for fuch condufiohs you have fhcwed none

nor once take notice of that which is alledged to the contra-

fie, which you could, not but fee, if you could have found a-

ly exceptionagainft it. {Tliey doe not deny, but there is^ vifi*

ble Church of C^oa ia' Engjand, and thcrctoreyour faying of

them, that th«y doe ali^oftin plaine and flat tearmes, lay that

we ha\ c not fo tnucji.a^ any outward face, and fhew of the

true Church, argucth that you hare almoft no love in you,

which upon oncwoijd once uttered, contrary to thctenour

rx. tcpl, I .p.s. of theirbooke, and courfe of their wholelife, formifc this of

VHreafon'^otTe- ^hem. Thus a chicfe Nonconfdrmift long agoe. Atiotherin

paration p. r. ^^^^ bookc, which.you pretend to anfwcr, and in thefe very

pages, He moft ftiamefully and le wdly^ as a man void of all

coajijiqn honcf^ieaivl grace, roaketh the ?v1Iiniftersof X*a;ci7/«

to atifirn;ie» that th? Prelates arercviled to ije great Antidwife

and;^eir Minifterie and conftitution, to be great troublers of

the Cburchattbis.day, and that ft cannot but be veryiinfuU

CANStiv it]? ^"^ huptfijll toretaineor communicate with them. The

JO. 6p.- <-^^ ^^■' Diycjiiihimielfpwoyld have beeneafliamed in this open mani*

RaiuoW. dPrit^tfff ncr to havetold foch a lie, and therefore he is to be trufted nd

».f.v.§.i. '■;"''■, further, thanh€ is feen. This you paffe over infilence; and if

F/Z/axCimft fubj. the liobftance of the accufation bee applyed unto your fdfe, I

The^■D!vdU"m-^"^^"^^whatapolog^^^

k\it wn flicw nc Chnft (laitbii^«w/^ as you quote him ) the Paltor of his greater mx> ice , Church, dotb tell US, that he feeds not in Antichriftian aflfcm-than to perverr biies, in the denne of theeves; neither is it his will, that his thamhich^i^s weU flock fhould there reft at noone: But in the pleafai.L pafturc, torceaicwTfenef by the ftili watecs, that is, in thefliadowesof thetrue Chri-ofhisowneoian- ftian Churchcs deteftingIdolatry. But D. Rainoidt words other ir.ans words are, not ifj Cteui>wpapij}icls, ffelftncid idoblatrarum^ &c. but in HinbrACHlis orthodoxorum CAtunm. Whether this change of Antichriftian AiTemblies, for popilh Aflfemblies, and true

Chriftian

Chrlftian CbLirche$fQrOrtW9?(:MfP9Mic5, W4S mader^B €ANStay§}.p fifnplicitk, h(;ju^^yo'i^r^lfpy^li^U,mgtit>c^xmky^iii!Qi '* -• ^-^^'^^ "<i^''iii'.

tjchriftiRn,andiK)t tf:i3s Pti^K^b^jfciltjpopsiihv^ffcoibltpSjaad iipt Orthodox he cpal4.Wtin>agi{l3f|^Tit<j> be/' , r t "to 'j. j You alleigq D J/fies laying, Jt ^aaiiotie %txm CbuiKth jtl?a,t ))v,ints or<ler^, - For by ^tb4$:tllg part^mfll aBembers thereof arc knit together. But thisj^fl^l)Qi5fe<f.-^ound ihithc place ^rifjiTtipiiccfj.BufiP.. ^«flr;;B<^Y^g^"^Hel\ttWJij.\^^ ^ ,^ ^

bc^v^ft^lltofti^tp'^atGbufelititn^ .\> 7

paoving rqancUls, and purging b^it ^c,'»agodIy,B iaken d^vay,^ i^ean^^|■p^liK b'tlia5,p<?i^^'i f^j^^.c^cf W^^/^w frimtAm*

.^contained ilTthat,q»yqn«qJi ^th^ebyoHaeiaitfefijllafe .g^ - ♦'.al a'^.n • thcred into a Ciiureh. Th« life of this power caqjiot be ta-lfenaway,with9.i^t.fh<?>g?:€^;ft"»-ofthem that.take it away,and S^he h^^8^&ii2)tj^ofi;tii§m fr^mwlaom kis tak«a.&3tithcr jovigl;jt4if'^w?ph*<?ri?ftin t]>iii,')thatv flic fdethbcriHfioua-juftly oppreffccJ of lathers, , For i-t bclongcth to the. oificeof j^p CJburchjtOf^jSfi'? \\{o.t, jlib^rtic, whqrcwith flic is endow-^^c|l Q^^Cl]i;i(l:.:; :B^^ }^t i'[ the fkithf«U contending foriiieir jj^r^ cjnf^.to^ilif^ t^9<ririg&t(iia$l?at p^ . noRwithou* ^r^<;.vous itjvcopvi^n^eEK^ ,99n>e.i«o..a moreite.e, .Chaccb, laufl ^tt ^^ i;^g£nr^5^p Jt^Qji) ^h^ W^'i^^ftJ^'- ^ c^'^U^'' and doje ^[ofti|dicasmuchasii^thpmJii^tbtorupplyth«t WJaqt, they (Urinenot, if ;hey joynetbeiniicKcs tofuch a Chunch,orconti-*ipqe^a it ;(Tte 5^r^"?«*^-f3fil?39cjiQjiti^ry:tCK:that wJiii«h you

^>^ffe:l?«^^'sj'^"»W«i^gfi^l^t\«'^^ CAN Stay Tea

piemanworfl-iipiGod-iniFepairingrtQ'lany QH^rchorrninafto- ^-p. f5.^.2/«.dio-ry vvitbput^«fi^antof,t,fc^c\YQrdvLet:iil^iRcadcrnotc^ % "^^''• mii i^ps"i/i^ J*^^^ WJfeJy.O<^.edy jtj^al^c^i^hbgagainll'par-^mki iji f %iiii^m^fe,iii.^tfi.9^iiwti^iOf ^-^ce,^ ibei-jj^ft:! t;|)a^4s?>f<«^?Qtp4)'^P50y^»^^nim4JidcdiQtV t^od^^ his J^oiy W<>fd/:;|Bu;tl^la0if^i?^^^!if^^»«»:^ ilJoi^cjfipkEan ^>y9lf^p.God in^K^airing to,tbi$ ^afec^ptoiniftjarif, .witb-<^t wajfrant of hjs yV^^wd. rAi^. be ipaaivcis.©i: la Dioccfan iWft^ J>JFi(^4«^y&^^^i^^*^fyi^Pf^P'^^^ ^ tb»tplace, ^ -ill m^S*f*^*i^^'^^ lwb^3*sa?o.tJbiJi§ taytmc-pur jx>fei A ^\ W^^^^S. yojib^Mejti^lWJft/yoSi: pjii)(aiiilcs;> oi»t bf ,, " . the

thj5 Noncontoinills, ever the chiefcfl: of thcm,which for lear* GaN Neccf. ot ning,x.eal(?,julgemenf,hd[ind(reoflifc,&c. have cvcrhdd fcp«r.To ;hc ReaJ. -thatoufc. But fomc tbihgs brought in their names.is neithct dieopinionofalljnor dfthcmoft, nor of the bcft learned, nor of many, but cither the private opinion of fome one, or the conceit of fuch indeed, as were leparated from the communion of the CHitrch of England^ and not frohi the aWes -:<»ily which were in ^q Church/''^ "• ' •"-^'^^ ;' ' '

C ANiUyfca ^ :ii^^tai'^ite^Iaftet;F«««»5^/ftyi'Ag"j^^Wfe mSft'iSrt^irtc, Sal&^n p. jy. '-tn!^iiwhe^c»nfciaice*^f n^i:n; nbl"b^^

M. pcftry of the "but alfoby hisfalfc poiv-cr andoMinancics j his kihgdome of Miniftcrie of the ^datkncCc^otonlv-^nfiftcth inthe lies,6hedo<5lrinand wor-Ghureh of End. ^jj^whirJihcbatb-CJ^itiedjbia^liSyittJdhdfaUe fe^A^N Necff. of ^K"■o"dihal^CGs:^^•w4litb hfehatll-'Mefttcd^ fepjr p.: 6 li'^x. -his idolatiiousdenfae/^-Atidtherefol:cthcchildreriartd Saints Exhortaiioii to -of X3od, ought to avoid both the- one'and the other. But the government of. -^hatfocver his rticaning bee in that or other palTagis dfed", C^A N fvefr of ^aft^^'^'^.w^nota NonGonfopirfift h*itaSe|^ataliftV"by feparati on T E di fl. -yout bwne'cotifeffion, 4nd^thercfore bi^ fayii^gs'wt ^«t^^f^^ to the Reader.' .ceceivedfotcthe NoncoDformifts princi^es.. - -"^ ;■'■'■/ 'U CAN Nccef. of.,. Matter-ff^. laith. It is lawful! to cc^mmunicatc in^tftkt ,ftp3r.p.2.j2. vvorfhip where the ceremonies arc ufcd ; but wee cannot,

believe him, (iijy you)ifor his birethren^bothaftirmdaind iprovetheconttary.' AHdchet«;«bw •fi-al'jStpK<fe^'^t(9\trlfe -JbwntheJworMs,wA^ofifi^iT;ti6ii%as'ma;de i^p. <>^.^ai:'ti^ betaufe the author is a principle Nonct)nformift, and partly -to difcoverthe rafltoieffeand folly of this inconfidcrate man, ixvf ^ durft without any fcafon(morc thaWboldneflt)ftiil jufti-fie the very thingjW"^'' his brethren by manyibundargument^, 1 vLa'J 4iaV(emanifeftedto beVevili'afldifiila'wfUPci^rtcftiicr^^ ,v ,: -ontorehearfetheAvords of the aufhor', of a difpute. upon cojimunicating at-confufed communions,- pag. (58. ^Qt '■■ V •■ Who that Author is I kriow not,the bookc'I have not f<ifri, -butby the words whichyourelate, itappeares-'h r^w^*6 cEnglilh Nontonfoftijift; iidith«'dothhcfp<*a¥^^ .iiicatifig ip oUr Englifli f^d^. '^-AfeKi - if he* ^id,' he (f*e^fcc=s -but bis private opiJfiioH, and riot what is^hc fiidgidment df .Nonconfbrmifts. ^ it:may be <^efti6ncdy '#?^cthcr^Ji^aiftcr^>*. .bookc was-not penned^and ptibli/hedj'iifc/t6hefc'<ifc«liffel^ fee or tliinke^of^be gfher.^ift'ivh^tloevttri^ fd&^'fl:^^ kiittf attid^aiv^M^ Mi<6iSvi^J«<>b4d^lhc^ifcM

and

(nr)

ahti uniformc judgment of all Nonconformlfts in England,bo tli oilfecretofbrc, and at that prefent when he wrote, that k is lawfuU, a Mpmc- agaiafi :|fid in(bmccafes ncccflaricto receive the Saccamcnt "With them Enoi.pact i. ca.^. that kneel in our alTcmblies. And now confidcr to whom tl»eira- f'^.t-p>j». The potation of folly, boldnefTcinconfideratcneife, and (if you will) P"^;.^ .jf^fthc

felOlOod, is jllftly to be attributed. rrformeS char-

To thefe particulars I will addeone more, whereby we may ches m obfctying Icarne what we arc to expedl and looke for it year hands.I think iioly aiyef,canjioc tomakcknown unto thec(thusyou write) what hapned about J[°™""^^ ^dJ™^ (even years paft in England. There was a Gentleman offVar- ^slldmd ."'^ Be-TfkkJhire f byname lA.Edrvard Grefw»Id a man very religious, caufe flieedid fpue asraanybefidcsmy fclfccantcftifie : V .r and I being bofomc them out wi.hfo friends (or to ufe his owne common faying, our hearts being as g^^'*^ dcccftanon, D4t;iif and/<'M4^^^»/knk together,; upon juftcauie wc both Sj^^J'ToablTo^rc left the parilhafTemblies. He afterward by the mcanes of fome t^^^^ thanoSc eraftic m«n, was perfwaded unto hearing againe: upon this he c.butchcs, whicU fell into great troubic of Spirit, and could have no feeling aflu- did not the like-ranee oi any peace with God: remaining thus a while,at length ^ ■^^)' ^«^ ^PP|y hefcntaletterbyhisfervant unto me (the which I have kept a c7';J°};l;';;'^fthc long time by me) in this letter he largely acknowledgcth his of- ceremonies oi fence, and among other paflages writes thus : Ah you are happy fomc to rdienti^ but I by my fall am miferable and wretched, and for the {wrelcnt »^^ P*i^us. vt cow time, I feelc my fonle to be no otherwife, than if I were in Hell, ^^^^^^ f^^^-" ^j^"^' See. ever fined went to their aflemblies, I have o'.ferved the Z'^fXumluhitK: Lords hand againft me. &c. Wherefore Ibefeech you by the vt^m^ invcbui'me. mercies of God, fet a day apart for me, and feekc the Lord by dupojfc^ceifiri^u-fafting and praying, that the water-flood overflow mcnor,&c. rum tames renitutio what his refrclliings were after this I cannot fay, the report is, cV^ Sta'^fcft « that to his changing he had fad and fonowftiU daycs: not with- p, ^^ ^ 5"^ ^ '" ftanding I am confident, that his foule is with Chrift in paradife. As I am writing this, I thinkc of the words of the Prophet, My flefh trembleth ibr fcare of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements. He that is wife will confider ot thcfe things: For as one faith, proNiding before, is better than repenting afterward. It is p^^j ^^, no marvaiie that falfe Churches, by fome arc called officinafee- ^^;_' An^uq^Rom.; Icrnm, c^^4r;r»^»»4/i»^o^>/»»,fhopsofwickednefle,andrham- lib.n blcsofthcSaintf ; for what can a tender confcicnceexpedin frequenting them, but indeed pricks, racks and tortures? This is your Relation and the ufd you make thereof-^

But ifyou know not how it f&redwith this diftrefifed Gentleman, thus it was: He fhut up himfelfe and hifi children in his I houfo, and would come at no man, nor fuffcr any man to 1 ■ ""■'"". T ' come

C«38 )

corneal him, Icfthce fhould communicate With them in their fin. Suftenance for himfclfc and his Childreji washrought unto t-heij > aihd put in at'fome hole or windo Wj but .hee fu^ered^no man to corrtd in to nlinifler unto them, no not when ihis children and he himlclfc lay {kk in great mifery. When hy order his honfewas broken open (for the Juftices oF peace in confidcrati-on of bis cafe were conftrained thercupto ) two of his children 'were found dead in the houfcjan J one had Jyen io long unburied, that the bpdywa^ corrupted and did.amioy the roomc. The ~ Gehtlernanhimfelfefickohhisbed, in wofull plight.His Bible he had gone thorough, and cut out the contents, titles and every thing, but the very Text itfeltc This I have received fromcrediblchandsjand it isa matter known through that coun-trie where he lived. And if you inarke it wifeiy., you-may fee the originall ofhis forro w and heavineflc, was not from the hearing of the Word in our afTembiies, but from your principles, which he had too deeply drunk in, and . ut of a defire to k^cpc ■ and obicrve,made himfelfe defolatc. It is very likely he thought " with himfelfe; that If by h faring the dodlring of grace htfe did communicate with men in theii? Cms, much more was guilt contracled'by civill converfings. And if you will try it in right 1 c ifon, I cannot fee how that consequence from youi' principles - can be avoided.Now^be defirous to (lick to what he had learned, • ■and not to delude himfelf with vaine diftindlions, as too manypf the feparation doe, fel firft into deepe perplexitie, and then at iaft came unto that defperate conclufion, to fhut up himfelfe and his children. It is one of your principles. That all humane <ievices whatfoever in the worQiip of God are idolatrous-: and therefore conceiving the content&of the Chapters, and titles of the bookes to be of men, hee cut them out. And further it is likely he would have gone, if his thoughts had reached further in this matter.It was your great finne to perfwade him to fqparati-on; and it is your great finne now to impute the caufe of his-forro w, diflrclTc, and anguilli, to his hearing the Word in our^fbcic- ■ -ties, when as it was the naturall fruit of his ralh and finfull feparation, or Of thofe pofitions,^ whereupon his feparation was builded, wherein if he was not firft inftruded, he had been built up by you. Let falfe Churches be fhops of wickcdnefTc^ and the flaaml-ksof thwSaints: In our-locieties tliedodtri^^e^ of faith and pietic is foundly and purely taught > pur advcrfarie& lading judges : a thoufand thotifands can teftifie by experience what ioulc^raviffeing comforts,and fwcetcgmmunioa with God may

be had therein. When you wrote thefc things, you hadjuft caulctotakcfliameandforrow, that you had brought a poore loule thus into the fnarc of your fcducements - but to; -kcQC-caficyn tliereby to encourage others, harden your felfe in an cviH way,and to revile and flander the heritage of the Lord, iS an ar-gnmcnt of how great pervcrfnefle ? You are confident he is with Chrift in paradifc, and I will not goe about to Icflen your confidence therein. But if you may bee confident of him, may not we^bc confident of the Martyrs, who dyed chcercfully for the. teftimonie of the L6rd Jefus, being profeffed members ot o-r focicties? Infallible knowledge of anothers falvation wc challenge not, but what you can pronounce confidently of one, w« may with equal! or greater confidence pronounce of many,who lafddown*; their lives for the truth of God> And therefore the rcafondrawricfromthcpradiceof the Martyrs, profcflinga-gainft Antichrift, who lived and dyed members of our Societies, and are received into '/-'ory, to prove that our focieties ar*: not AntichrifHan, idolatrous, falfe worfhip, is neither abfurd nor chiWift^ihDwfQever you a^c pleafed to fpurnc and kick at it.Pcr-uftyoiir cwne manner of arguing implyed here, and then /peak C » k Nfccf. of ofyouraBfwertotheotheribenotialliandpartiall. Orparac. p. ifo^

As for the part icur:r point in hand, the authors alledgcd by '^^* you, f pcake nothing to your purppfe. For men may run when they bee not fent two wayes. Firft,. when they arc outwardly, called, but riot inwardly qualified , as with knowledge, truth,; holinelfejoi-carcfto doe thd duties of their place, and thefc arc lawKill and unlawfnll Minifters both : lawfull as Miniftcrs of Gods providence, for the punidimcnt of fome, and the good of' others ,.unlawfull as not approved of God w their place and. ftatiding. Secondly, whai they have no manner of cailing,nei-ther fet apart by Ehcn in authoritic,nor received by the Church, ;

n6r qualified as they ought, and thcfe arc every way unlawful!. Algaine falfe Prophets are of two forts. I Suchas-fpringupin the Church, teaching corrupt or perverfe things, but cither not difcovered^ornotconvided, ornotcaft out. Thefe the faith-_ full muft not believe, though they may not fibiilakc or call o^the Societies wheiie fuch are tolerated. 2. Such as teach damnable. dodlnnes, are not let apart to offices falfe and idolatrous, and cidiiernever were in the focictie of the true Church, orbcc lavWly convidled, and juftly aft out, and with the^c the fcutb^ full mull hdd no communion, ^' "'".,' ,; This is that which the learned teach, as it ftathhdene fhewcd, ^ : " ~ T 3 " but

'. !>***' it nifaUcs notbiiig at all to your purpofc. For you cah ii«-vcr prove from Scripture , reafon or Nonconformifts principles, riiiicr tbat tVie mmiftcrie of the Church of England Is ab-Iblutcly tallc, or that any Miniftcrs in the Church be falfe m the itconi acceptation of the word,

11 is needleffe to proceed further in tht examination cf par-c \ >4 S*' fed ^icular Authors ,becaufc you your (cUe doe affirme as much .The < 1 p.i X i." * C^dlj'C^^y you)are admoniflicd to examine dodrincs delivered to

them in aright way and order. And if they find any by teaching Id .fcft. 11. p.i I ^ to be a falfe Prophet, they are to depofc him, and afterwards not to hcare him againc. Againc, it is a quedion whether the godly in the Jewifh Church, having by hearing difcovercd the Screes and Pharilees tobc ftrangcrSjthat is,falle Prophets,might aftcr-Mtmf.hxMeik' "Ward heare them aeaitie. The Treatifet was onccof minde, paraup 4 j 4. tbat they might tidtf, and gave fome reafons for it. But howfoe-

Yerthe cafe is not eafily to be determined, confidering the ftate of that Church and time j yet this is cleate to all men of found judgement, that in the C hurchcs now under the Gofpell, falfe Pro^h^ts-may iibt bclf&ffcred; But after due and orderly convi-elioh'f feeingfpuEndfo, and dbftinate) they are to bee rcje^ed, and fo no outward hearing of them any moire. Whence briefly ht thefc things be noted. Firft, that the efFe<Ss may be tigli ahd lawfully when the inftrumcnts are, wrong and unlawful! ia tbdfrffelves, and that a man may lawfully communicate, in the cSh&i of fuch anions, whofe inftrumcnts are unlawfiill. For tbe Scribes and Phariiccs were unlawfull inftruments>by your• own T c. to his fitter cotifeffibn, but the ctkds of their minifterie, in- which the Ame Stubs. You faithfiill migbt.and did lawfully communicate. A falfe Prophet hAYc indeed e- notdifcovcrcd,not con\i(5ied orderly, before he Can be decmcd Boughilm bitter- ©bftftjatc and caft forth, isanurilawfuiIinftrument,butyou will uj. bu? has?tt^"no n<>t%> thecffcfts of his Minifterie are unlaw&U, and not to fcp'roofcs in ilieir bc^communicated iti. I might ihere adde,tfaat is unskillfull to mouihs, nor ar^u- confound inftrumcHts and Working caufes, or linke them toge-m-nts to confmc ther,asifthcre wcrcthefamercaion of both^ feeing all inftru-'if^'ud'cmcntalld ^^^^^ are ndt Working caufes. Secondly the Minifters of the. c«ildemnation,arc ChuTchof England„havenotdiicly and ordcrly^ bccneconvin-likc headUffe ar- ccdof corruptmin dbdhine, efpccially in points fundamcn-rovrcs, oottafccn tall, or that their plattc abdftanding is unlawful!: muchlefle *^- °^ ^bSt ftom "" ^^?y ^^ efteemed obftinate. They were never caft out by the tS"ovtoc' fides, faithful!, and true members of the Church, but approvcd,raain-^c. tainedan^ reverenced by thoqii AU jre%^ci Chwch^s^ all

(HO

the ^aichfi]]] in t\\e reformed Churches d«e acknowlcdg* them the fcrvants of Jefiis Chrift, approve their fbnding, reverence their gifts, held commuijion wich thcro, profcfle the faiH? do-6trme which they maintaine, and praileGod for Wisbltiring upon their labours. ^ And now conlider with what uprightneflcand i-ntegricie you have alleadged chcle Autiiors, agamft tlie hearing of the word'inourEngliihAflemblies,a5if all the Mmirtersof the Church were falfe Prophets,convi6ted,obftinate, and ouccc* the Church,

You Otllusperemptorily,lfthcrtformed Churches do juftific theEnghlli, therein they condemnc greatly their own practice : tor in their coullitutioH, minirterie, wonhip and Government tliey are as oppoficc as lighc and darknes one to the other. Cm you find nothing to objed:, that the Sun dorh not Ihine at Noone-day? Is it not apparanc to all the Chriltian world, tliat the reformed Churches dpe give unto us the right hand of fellowHiip, and eihcm as us the t:;.e Churches of lel'usChrili3 Inm.^nnerof government they differ from us, and they haveabolillied fome rites and Ceremonies, which we retaine as matters indifferent, not as matters of holines, neceflTity, or wof(hip (this is thcprofef-fion of our Church) but in doi^rine, worlhipand miniftery for the fubftance thereof, there is a fwccte agreement. And the differences, that are betwixt them and us in other matters, thty have fo Learned to tolerate, is neither to condemns their owne pra6iice, nor todif church us: and the like ChrilUan moderation, tliey receive from us backe againe. The Churches of Chrift have not learned to cure cveiy fcratdi ot a pin,with a knife or launce; This aK of curing they leave to you,wbo was never admitted into the focicty of dilci eete Phyfitians among tiiem or us. Thirdly conlider how unccrtaine their wayes are who walke in darknefle. Somecimes the Scribes and Phan/ees were to be heard, becaule they were lawfully called: Sometimes they might not be heard : fometime it is a cafe notealilydetermined: and(bmetimesin t\\t Churches now under the New Teftamcntfalfe Prophets art; noE to be futfered; as if thepaflagesof Scripture forbidding to Iware falfe Propliets, muft be reftramcd to the times^f the GoU pell. Such ftaggerings and groffe dclufions in others,would have occafioned out-cries to raife the Countrey.

As for that which you alledgeagainft ignorant, idle, profane Minifters, it is not to thepurpolc, for that refpef^s not the office it ielie, but the men in the ofKcC; who may enter unlawftilly,and

T3 ~" contiRUs.

Can. NcccfT. of! Scpar./. i«S.

)ca part 4/?. 54U V\ c would <have you regard,'if noc your confcicoccs before (>od^ yet youi credits before men.,

Calv, w^i/./.4.M8 Sefi. 5 2,

Coofefl.Hclv.f.t/ Angl. C0Rf.tfrr.j4 Aug. Conf. <!/•/. 7, Bohem. Conf. att. t J. CiU £p.c»/. 170. e^ («/. 479.

C AN. Neceff.of Separ.;?. 39.48. 8ic.Bi!fP7i ChtiA, Sab jc^.^Tt. 4. *'4ge 406,

-^ . c continue in the execution of tlieir office, when the Miniftery it

corLh ha"d the°n,as ielfc for fublhnce, and chat which is done by Minilters unla w-

al othet Churches fuUy executing their place, is not to be condetnned a$ a nulhtiel ^

now have (oc Jt is one thing to juftihe an ignorant or idle minillene^anochef to

ihould hivcj both ^^j^^ ^jg ^f jj^^t which hee doth to our edification according to

L"1nnefcdand the Ordinance of God. They are not approved of Godintheir

ad^eyncd to the miniftration, but what they doe adminilter is efiPe6luaII,and God

miniftration of aporoveth that his people,whjn they cannot remove them,lliould

th^ Loids Supper ^ ^j^^ yfg of their Mmifterie, This the Non-contbrmilb hold

Soth tnefc yet ^e ^^j-ggj^j^jg jq their owne principles, as hath been (hewed at large.

ordiined to prepare us to be fit guefts for chat Table. BiQiopItvelhis Sermon onlojh.6. i,i,j. Th^"? care muft fhcw it felfc ia removing blinde W3tch-men,which have no knowledge^who are but uumb'- dpeges, that cannot batk^ &c. Nonrefidence and abfence from their cure is a fault that wculJ be amended. CAN. ^kczff. of Scp^i.page 44. 4f- Admonit. i. page 1 y. 16. Sold Barw. in the Ihep-heards of the Lords flockc Though they be never To able to inftruft, and therefore vvorthy to liave roomes in the Chutch, yet if they have notadefuctodocgood, &c. CAN. NcccU". of S"ep3r. ^age %\6. Another fault no Icfle hurt^ull to the Chuich of God ij the fufterin'^ of pluraluies, when one takcth the profit of two c; more Benefices, &c.

Parfons, Vicars, Stipendaries, Pariih Priefts, Chapleinesare but various Titles giventothe fame kindeof Muiilhric in divers perlbns, which is JEvangelicall, inrtituted of Chrilt, and to be ex-ercifed and maintained in the Church.^ untilltbe commingof Chrill to judgment. You affirm with great confidence, that the Non-conforraiils condemn both their names and offices as wholly from that Roman Antichrift. Thcfc be your words. If you, TvtU know (^ fay the Nonconformijls) whence ail thefe came, rr-ee can efijilj anjwer yotty thirst thty came from the To^e, as out of the ' Trojan horfes helty^tothe deflruHion of Gods kingdome^ It is. cet-taine that their name and office it wholly from that Romatf.ny^n^ tichrift, never infiitHtid either by {'hrifi or hu <iy4fo(iles. For the Chpfrch ofGodnever k»eTP them^neitbcr doth any reformed (;hurch in the world know them* Thefe are clmdes without raine, trees without fruit, fainted Sepulchers full of dead bones, fatted in all abundance of iniquity , fuch as feekf net the Lord Icftts, hut their owne bellies. Againe touching their Parfons, Vicars, Stipen-daries Chapleines, Sic. we have proved from their writings,that thefe names andoffces came wholly from theDivelland^nti" chrift: and therefore his pleading for "Baal is altogether here unttfefull, as to fay. All is one kjnde of O^linifierie, and in this reffeU thej are Parfons^ and in that refpeSl Vicars, Sec. ForM

mnch

C»40

much may a Papi(i fay, of their Parfens^ Vicars, See* and at irrte VVc ftrivenot with-too. If therefore he wculd have jufiified thefe men, he {honUfirfi X®" ^°»^ "=*«"« ^'^ have mamfefled that his Brethrcnhavenotorioufly ftandredtheir tYirfublbncc^oT^ Tnimfierj, and fo have qtnte taken array their reafom betttr, by ihc Office nnd Mi-ftjevemg better,(^c But we have learned to tiy before we triilt.To niliciy. i^onemn conrend about the bare names and Tides o' P.rfon^is vain and tri' inmti.mibm, fcdm volous;. bur it we Ipcake of their office-and minifkry ask is exer- ^'^^^i^^^P^^? noflra ciied by t he gpdiy, learned and pauiefuU Miniliers m chfe Cliurdi lxt%''rcgo,hi''sTkZ of Bnojard, for the luMlantc thereof, itisinfii utedof Chrift, Itgtti inOrat.tjuam acknowledged by all true Churches in the world, ever fince the fubuit coram i^o. firil phnta.ion of riie Chriltian Church, knownc by all rei-brmed ^P'fiop'^h in concit. Churches, at this day blcffedof God abundantly, and fomaintai- •^X*'^'g^'S red by the Non-conformifts. AgainlUhe Name fit may bee) '!^^/^' \,^%^in fome hare taken exception, and agamlUhe pride, idlenelVe, co- vi-tbo^ quodnondi-vetoufnefle, c^c, ot' fome much luth bin written, but that the of- itm in fenfu. Ambr. Hce it fclfc oi Parian or Vicar, as they preach the GoFpell of le- "'"• "^ '^'*[' ^^^- *• Jus ClirrlK or adminiller the Sacraments accordme to the Iiilii- \Z^^^¥t,--^i^ • lUt'On, and watch over the tiock ot Chriitcommittedto then* Paftoiof the ch-irge, thit this ofhte Ci fay) for fublknce ihould bee condem- Cliurch,hach moce ned, as Antici rillian by the NonconformiO?, is notorioully "I'-c-elt &iiohtin

fahcj and the contrary is apparently known unto your feife. For ^f ^P*;*^ of hisoffice

, ri i Ml / J ^i I i.- I • • c-r for :,s much as

many or them have publiiieJy maintained the truth ot their mint- he hath-' ordina-

fhry in writing, others have pubhkelyprofe(Ted, thtyacknow- ly calling of God

iedge the Church and niinilltry to-bee true and of God, and di- and fundlion sp-

verle have exercifedthetuni^^ions, of Vicars awdParfons in air pointed in Sciip-

Aflembhcs. And whether it be probable that foimany feekm^ for '""■'? f "^J:' ^'"'

retormation wouidpubliKelycondemnethatoiiicf, as altogether i.pjo. 21.

An:ichrifi:ian,whicli they exercifed tn the Church, let your Con* It is obfcivcd by

fcience jndgf» In that which yniiaJledge out ot theadmonicion the Learned that

ig Popery in their name^ are thele j wee Ihould be too long to tell your ^kptolkpand honours of Cathed. C(iurclies,the Dens aforefaid of all lovtering F"-"^*"^ ^'^ pointj :& 1 Jhbcis, where, U.'Dsane^U Vtce-T>cayie,U. C^mns or Preben- ^hare'hc'fe'nfe ^ daries the greater, Mr. Pettie Canons, or Canons the lefler, Mr. thrLcamcdTnJ (fna»celloMr of the Church,M. Trcajurtr otherwife called ludas Ancunt Fatheis i the Purlebearer, the chiefe C/'/t^wr^r, Singing men, fpeciallfa- Asthe Papifts vourers ot Religion, Squealing Chorilicrs, Organ-Players^ Gof- '^^^l* ^"^ ^'^^ ^^" pelIers,Pillelers^Penfioncrs,Readers,Vergerers,(Relive in'great, '^j'hJhe^Nop.r" idlenelfe, and have their abiding. If you would know whence confoimiils '' 7 ~" ^" all

;•> y

all thefe camS, W€ can eafilj' anfwer you, that they came from the Pope, as cut of the Trojan horlcs belly, to the dct]ru6lion <^ Ge<}i> king?iome. TheGburch of God nevw knew them, neither doth any reformed Church in the world, know tiicHi. And birds of the lame feather arc covetous PatroiiK of Benefices, Parfdns, Vicars, Readers, Parish Priefts, Stipendanes, and ridmg Chap-lcins,that undet the awchoritie of their Matters, (poile their flock, of the foodc of their (oules: fuch feeke not tlie Lord lefus, but then owne bellies, clouds they arc without faine, trees without i'ruit, painted Sepulchersfullof dead bones, fatted in all aboun- i dance of iniquitie, and leanc Locufts in all feeling, knowledge, Hier.t'^Symlt.Ruf- and fmcerity, Cari a.iy Legerdemaint De more palpable, than to fin.Ferverjihomines jpply thefe words to the oflice of Parfons, and Vicars, and their ad ajfenjfiteeideg- j^jj^jftgrie, who painefully, diligently aad profitsd^ly, fpend and '^mms'^llmim bave Ipent theif time and ftrength, in the fervice of the Lord Ic-'^rr^interfet'ue' fus ChrilU and of his Church r If you willfo groflely miftakc^ runt eA,quteiUi nan- ©r pervert their writings, how (hall wee belceve you upen your quamfcripfernnf' ^ord , when you report tlut this or that you Iwve heard or

'^^mftdiM^^ cri' That a man from thofe principles may infer a lawtull feparati-mne ab unodifct on from all fpirituall communion, in ihd ninifterie cf our Eng-tmnes. \i^ Churches, you think e^ery one (if lie underftand what a prin-

C A N. Neeeff. of • j^ -^^ ^jj j freely grant. And for my part 11 liinke, every man 4t»ar./.48. 4^. • ^^^^ underftands what the Non-conformifts principles are, or what a true conelufion rightly deduced from found or true principles if, will freely grant, that your feparation from the miniftcr y of the Church of England in the Ordmances,of wor(hip,is ralh, groundleffe, and inflill, contrary to right reafon, the Non con-formifls principles, and the holy Scriptures, And io I commend ^, the worth or weakneffe of what I have written to your confide-

ration, intreating if you can, to bring gentU words and weight of matter,a$beftbcfceincthagoodcaufe.

CAf.

(I)

:,M. A p...

II

HatOod m'jft be worlhipped a^-'^'-^.'dir.g to hk 2i//oM chrid.ful-ownc wil'. and commandcment, -,nd that no- {j'^j/onef'^Gods thing inuftgoc under the name of wOrfhip, ^^,^ to^ppoinr* which hc.hath not commanded, or inftituted how he will be fct-in his Word, is a truth confcfled and main- ved. taiaed by the Church of SngUr^d^ Confer- '^ermUepttfirip: UHftsindNon-coiiformifts. So that it is auogcthernecdJerTc tijZb^Uic'ef^Te to (mtA many woids nnd q jote many Authors to prove that j^ofire arhitrio in^ whwhiscommbnlyreccivcd,. if it bcnotav7rong tomenti- dulgm, fed neK on that as a principle of the Non-conformifts, which is the ?%«;< quod at^ doarinc of the Church, with oncconfcnt profefTcdxjf all the ZltTTot' members of the focietic: Elfe where you^write ( biityo-.r /,, li.miyaiLi (pcech is over-lavifh as moft commonly it is ) that all forts mus jimborer, ^pti Atifi fc£ts of Writers acknowledg this for a truth,that to wor- nee ipfi^uidquSde flUDGod in any other way or^manner, than he hath in his /"o firhitm quid Wordprefcribid, is unWuU : And therefore this paines ^tyd'aJ^'pfu'n. • here taken might well have been fparcd *, but the plenty here- i Qh^ift^^ ^c, in may (erve to hide your poverty in that which is to bepro- can (ity.feci A'* ygj Cafi.Ne&/.ofSe-

Your Reafon to prove thctieceflitic of reparation front the ^^^''^'/^'^.\/'''^^' Non-conformifts Principles, is thus laid downe. Jv

1^ The Lord in Scriptnrc hath laid it as afiraight charge ttfon all Sett, i. thefaithftiH, ufeparate themfelves from Idolaters, and to be a-; Can-NecefofSe-willhe to them a< ma) be, Jpeciall) ^» their religious objervatiors ^^'^'^/''f 7"*^*' <md ceremonies, Thefecend Commandement proves this cfe^n- ^ *' ' ally, for there is abfolntely forbidden alltarticifationiu any feigned fervice, whether it be to the true Godor any other. TVfjen Jc-

T^hoTim hadfet HP a falfe-ivorfhipy We rcadc, that the good Pro- H6feM. 14,1^ J r J J •' f • , Amos 5 r, .

A«

phets

CO

phets of that time 4ni after, called the godly Ifroelites Awajfiim itf an^bid hi^m in p/^»>v ter*ri': t>ot tojojne (herewith, out oh the cotttrarf ^- kee^e gods ConimAndfnfents, And flatutes tiffointed for hisferviccy mthoui adding anj thing to them, or taking "^i^y thin^ from them, ^nd this they mufl doe, although the King km tot^rmed hly new Religion, hj a^ of ■Parliament,or CoHncell,wt4 therefore no donh rvoHld^erfecnte moji grievouHj all the refit's theretfy o c, . * .

u r ^ "^ ius you goe en in fourc leaves or thereabouts to confirme

tbid ptfgl^V to yo"^ propofition, and yet it may be qucftioned, whether you 91. ' doe confirme or explaine every particular contcined therein*

For if itbc dfr ndcd what It io io be as unlike to idolaters as much as may bt.,and how that is proved to be necefliry,either by the commandcaien: of GodjOr praf^ictf of the godly 3K?ich-out fome fit or due limitadon, which is not added, I fti|i^p(c you wil) be to feeke^maoh lefle can it becondiided cAitwlHs dircourre,.ButletusheaFeyourAfiumption. C M -«] ^w^ Can. Nteef. />.' $• -S^r the ivorjhip of the EngUJh- ChfH'chSerk>ic^$vt4!^-h^}ia h'tii p<tg. 9 >• warrant by gods word, but It U a devifed^ falfe, and idolatrous

^orjhip, Jf we take a (hiSt view of that mlnifterjy Veorjbif, ntftd governmenti Which they left at Ban and Sethei^ itwillaffe^e evidently,tlMtthe fame was not more falfe,idolatrous and Hnlki9'^ id. ptt^'^l* fi*^^' ^^'*" ^^^ prefint minifiery, worfiip and government fffl^ht

Snglijh Ajfembljrt , is by the Non.conformifls affirmed toht, ^ttdbecanfe none miy thinke,that Jjpeake more than canbiffht^ ved, 1 will therefore here lay dowrte an apolagie or pretext^ »jW(i& '■ttlhfutt* lib, !• ^^ idolatrous Ifraelite might frame in the defence of the Kings .84£.80f * Religion^ taken out of their oWne Writings: iA^id if D'^hmi^

phrafe be tolerable^ I will pawne my head, that there is mever-a. Nonconformifi this day in the world{let him keep to their grounds) V'ourfetftonform, that is able to give more pretty reafons, andcolourable Jhewet^ t<y /4g, 1^1, juftifie the Religion of the (^hurch of England.

Anfwer. T^^^ all woriliip,which hath not warrant from God9 word,

^ i& unlawfull; that alldevifed,falfe, and idolatrous woifhip is

to fay, Every God ^° ^ abhorred,is confeQed and profel5:d by Conformifts and was to be honou- Nonconformitts. It is a conftant received pofition. That noted a$ he himfclfc .rang oughttg be tolerated in the Church as neceflary unto had given in com- filvation, or as an anicle of feitli, except it be exprefly con>-^ufi.^deaconf.E- '^^"^^ i" ^^^ ^ord of God,or manifeftly to be gathered there-'uan'g.lib.i.capAi, from : and that all ceremonies are to be rejcfted, wherein JWbcceforc as Mi- jHerc is placed opinion of merit, worfhip, or neceflitie to (al-

vation.

CO

vation* But that the worfhip tcndrrd to God in the Englifii thah and Urcboam Gongregation*;, isdcviffd, {A% iuolauous, that^.x Non- 8'^»'Jvoufly ofi«n» confornrtftg never faid^nor thought jand wholoever (hall ra(h- brinps ^'l'^ 0*^7 lyafSmieit, he IhaJir.ever be able to mal-eproofe thereof, by f/rv^ifc any thinJ the word of God. If any rite prefer ibed in the book of Com- of his own device mon- prayer be worft]ip,in the ufe thereof, the woi d being ta- *"^ Cnneth dcad'y.* ken in a large fignification, that is not fo in the intention and ?"' ^"J'^**'^'^*'^'' profeffion of tli'e Church, nor apprehended to be fo inthem Tre'mcn?dclic7/ that? conforn>e unto it| neither doth it defile the \v0rfhip04" whereby they flar-Godj to them that joy ne in the ordinances of grace, notwith- ^^f themfelves in ftanding the corruption which in their judgement is annexed H^^-^fing Godrther-to it, andpra^^ifed by fomc. For notwithftanumg fuch cor- ^b":,hh^ltdfair° X\Jption, or abnfc^ the worftiip it fel.e is that which God hath :^->l\n^"ltaT^iali |3re(cribcd, approved, blcfled to. them that feck" his face a- r^cface to the real right, andfci"vehim iinfcignedly ; whereat he rcquireth cur '^^^•^«Varm.lib.i. prefence,aiid wherein he hath promifcd to fup with us, and i'^^"^'^,. ^-^-^on

lV«Wlthhim r .. n y. a: u n.. r '»^/'^"'^'^«'^'»^

That theNon-conformift« fhould amrme the WOrihip of fidei,vifiant imme' God, or minilkry in theEngliftj AOemblies, to bcasfaife, f'«^^ covtineatur idolatrous, andunlawfull, aswastheworfhipof7fro^<>/iwat ^'^•verloT^n^aut ^an sind'Bethfl, is a moft lewd and injpudent (lander 5 which c*X'/m^'c/r' the (wornc (havelings of Antichrift, whofe profelTion is to lye ouen/i/^ducarvr» and flandcr for the catholiquc caufe, would bhlfh to vent. ParkdepoLEcclJ^ You know it is contrary to their judgement, practice, profcf^ ^-f'-'i^Stparahant fion, and proteftations many times renewed. Whether the f^f^^'^^^f^^etU^ phrafe be tolerable or no, if you will be piodigall to pawne l!cbant!i chroAx your head in this cafe, take heed left you loofc it, not in Gods 14 .Atqvi bacfei caujfe, but in your owne. And ifyou fbalH3e defpcratc herein, paratio ab ifrHcli-. your forwardnefle will move no wife man ; for Pvclieion is to ^'^ fi^olatris (rat, bcIearnedfromthetruthofGod, and not from the high ad- ^^llffrMj^^^: ventures of incor.fiderate men. The Non-conformifts can beamful/amm^ crovclhe Religion and worfhip of the Church oi England literfuftulermt. to be of God, not by petty realbns and colourable fhewe'^ >^"^- dsuvir.ecol. ( which they leave to them that maintaine a bad caufe) but by J^'^jfAj^^ ^f^ ^°' pregnant evidence from the word of truthjnot by fimilitudes, ^'^ theirChurdT allegories, and forced interpretations of Scripture fasyoc not in rumors,njid difpute againft itj but by plaine texts of Scripture, and found fpccchcsof the men reafon deduced therefrom, againil which the gates of hell o(Africa, nor in

« ,. ., . ' D ^ thecoucclsofthcir

rball never prevaile. Bi^^p,^ „^^ .„ ^^^

difcourfesof any writer whatfoeyer, nor in the fignes and miraclei that may be forced j but in the prcfcript of the Law, in the predidions of the Prophets, in the vcrfci pf the Pfalmcs^n the TrttycesofthcShepheaidhimfelfe, &C« Aaa The.

(4.)

k//" /t -a r T^'f Author of that Booke intituled, ThecdurfeGfCenfor* PtXnllp'i^f. »«f*^ft--^weththatthcIfraclitcsmightinfC.icraupr«stei,d/or jhU is Ihc dmh't'ff rohoams c&Ucsth^ fame excufes that wrrc made in defsoce betwixt us, whc- of fome Corruptions thruft upon the Churcn of Scotland^ but ther wc fhould c6- ^hg corruptions he doth rot make to be like, nor the pretcn-* S meanlras he ^""^ ^^ ^^ of cqu.tU validitic, nor the ftatc of the Church where hath dcvifed foruf l^ch rorruptions ar^ toUerated, to be the fame with the ftate and comended un* jf the IfraeUf-s wi'O worfliippcd the Calves- Abufes that a-to us jthereby daily gree in the general! nature of abuft may be coloured, with the to renew theme- lame oretcnces, when heybenotof the fame weight, quali-; dcm'tron^'^rdfc tie, Or degree/the one may be fmall, the other hainous. Thq iiiv^? others of our fame diftmftion may be brought to countenance the vileft her own heads, fit per- refie, and a petty cvr>nr, if ^ may fo fpeake. Herefie and Ido? haps to provoke us Jatry ai e both taJK''tivc,and who doubts but corrupt wits can

h°umal!e'afFcaio"n ^^^ "^"^^'" "^^^^"^' ^^ ^^'^' ^^^^ ^^ ^^^"" Conclude, that

but not fit to in errour-^r herefie :^re both one; every abufe is gro;leidoIatryc

ilrua oitrfaith,&c. The Author, you quote, was not fo unadviftd: His drift was

He knowing that onely to fhcw thevanitic of fuch excufes, and nottonUtch

images though they the things pleaded f®r with Jeroboams Idolatry, as hath been

!ej« with fome dt ^^^^'^ ^^^^- ^"^ ^^^ "^ ^^^ whether you can alledge any co-

iight, yet° might lo«rablc ftiew, or petty reafon> to prove our worfhip to b^

they fnarethc fouls falfe and idolatrous.

of many fimple & The rvhoU forme of the Church-fervlce it yorrrtved irofr the

filly pcrfons, and pafisis,f eked and patched together without reafon or order of edim

fecVof found 4ith fi^^^^^" '' ^"^ ^°^ °^^^^ " the forme of it, taken from the Chnrch of beholding & ado- <!y^»tichrifl , bHtfurely the matter alfo : For none can deny hut .ring him in fpirit it ^as called and pick^ out of that popijh dunghilly the fortius and & truth, before all vile CPi^aj[e-booke,fuU of all abhominations, From three Romijh aid llS^ri^that ^^'^'''''^^' ^f^'J^ '^''^ '^ ^'"'^'^ together, namely, the 'Breviarie,out: mas wit could fur- ^f^^^^^ ^^^ common prayers are taken .^out of the Rituall or hooke . niih to win the eye. cfRitef, the a^/miftration of the Sacraments, Bur tall, Matri" Ca ru Htcef. of St- ntonj, yifitation ofthefickjire taken ; and out of the Afajfe-bfioke,

and vflellof

_ ... _. , Imifkes

blafphcmousMaff. ^^ them Jay, Surely the Homijh is the true and riyht keligion^ book.^yigS.That 8lfe the Hereticjues in England rvould never have received f^ whichwM take out much of it. For fome have avoiuhedit to my face {faith the Au~ bookeV&c. ^o5. ^^°^ "f^^^ Curtaine of Church^power ) that the fervice there if ^4»».r.C« rtpl.i -fagi.tio.Ahrtdi.pMg.AdrH.up.^, ^ t.Adw.p.4 i-f'tU of Baby k%g, Alt Of *i/amaj(. pag, €t%,6tj. Sy em plea. ^9, Perth Ajfemb. 6^,Syons pU!i.%o,pag,^Q,m*^^

nothing

CO

fli*Mrtg to the Mdjfe in tJ^a Englijh 5 others tl:it n ^4ms mthing^ bm ^he Pof'T cmfecratiort, Thefe things thus retaittc ■*, k .asdl--fo rhoHght th^t fofijh Kings andPnnces wonld vc the Ujfe off'en^ dedy rthtUmarvcJe, feeing the Jefuitcs ihemfelves are fo xvell -^leAfedroiththeceremonies and fervice, that I heard ong of them ( God is mj ^itnejfe herein) make it ^is hope, that the maintertance of them againfi the Puritans, Tvotildntak^ £»gUnd the fooner re-tttrneto Rome in the refi, 0\€ine eyes anc cares ( faith Bilbop K^vAiiufee,^ Hatt ) can witnefe ^ith what approoff ana tppLanfe diver ^Ik tatholique royaH ( oi they are termed \ entertained tw nen tr ^«-fUted LitHrgies of our church, whic, is the l/ffe wonder, feeihg Pope Pius thefoHTth fending Viccntio ^an^tcd^^Abbot of Saint Cimhd, A4. rt^»j Saviours to ^fteene Elizabeth, cjfered to confirm^ the Englijh -. Liturgie by his Authoritie, ifjhc,: v' 1 ''i j'-;ld to him in feme o~ ther'things. Indeed it pteafed themfyrteL. that for the frsi ele. FrefhfuitJ,t icz. 'venyeares of S^ene Elizabeth, Papiiis came to the EngUft (^hnrchandfervicey Mthe LordKjiOOYAjhiVfetk. ^ liters of them t. Cooke de Jure dffrme the fame, namely, their Chursh-fervicepleafethmarvei^ Rjegi:Eccle/^.i^. lofts vfell the Romijb Bedfi, and his ungodly followers, iVitneffe Syons(Ua*^o^i^. the Pacification of the DevonJhire-PMi^s in the time of King Edward theftxth^ when at thsy underflood it was no other but the very Majfe-booke put into Snglijh, JVitneJfe alfo the ajfertion of 2)' Carrier, a dangerous ftducing Tapiji ; The common-prajcr^ P^ki ( Taith he) and the ^atecbifme conteinedin it, hold no point pfdo^rineexprejly contrary to Antiquitie{ that is, as he explai- conffder pgfl *< neth hlmfelfe ) the Romifh^fervice, onely hath not enough in it: (ict»i, ^, tAndfor the doflrine ofpredefiination. Sacraments, grace^ free" Willi andfn, &c. The new (fatechifmes and Sermons of the Pu» ■^

ritan-preachersy run wholly againfl the common-prayer^ and Ca-^ techifme therein ceitteinedy ^c. And thereupon he comforteth j^fotiv, t'tefiut f* himfelfe upon the hope ofthefupply of the refi.To this efe^i^eak:. theAnfWs ■ eth Briftow ^»<^Harding. If thefe things be right, why not the rej} ? It Jhall not be amijfe to marke one occurrence in ^ueey^e E-lizabeths time , who being interdicted by the Topes BuU^ Store-"Mr/Walfingham tryed atricke of State-policy, to reverfe the fur^r. He eaufed two of the Popes intelligencers, at the Topei appointment, to be brought ( as it ^t^ e ) in fecret into England, to yX'hom he appointed a guide{being a State Intelligencer)who pjould pjew them in Canterbury and London fervice folemnly fung and faid, with all their pomp and procejpon, JVhich order the pofifh InteUlgeucers feeing^ and fo much admiring^ they wondrsa that

A a 3 their

f-nCwcr,

^ohit/oH , Aittf-Gr^cnewof"ff Sec,

pitrat,pag. 114, fd. /tfg^, 1x5.

Ckffehih rpealring of Imager brought into the Church, Takh, Wfc might i«ftTy condemn the whole faithleflf ,5c Ipnd invetition.-*or it wa!» but a Will - worftiip, a naughtie fefvicc, having no ground of the Word of God, and onely i^ring of errour. Cd//Preface to the Reader teftificth. Bilfonchrifi.fub-}fif.parf,tip.i97. That Princes may prcfcribcwhatfaith jhcyliftjvvhatfer-

their MAfiern>onld he fo madvif^'d, aj to mt&dtQ a-^riitet sr Stste^ ^hiijfifervice and ceremonies p> fjmholiiMlypfth his tf^ng ; Sprem-nirtg to the Pcpe^ theyp.cveedhim his 9ve*fght, Affmfn^ thn theyffi^ neferviee, ceremonies, or C^nych-orders in England, bnt they might have very yeell beene performed in Rome .-Tvhereupon the ShU was frefently called in.

That which you alledge againft the Englifh-Service.booke b particular, youi-.tendagainftallftt-formcsofiirayer, or iHp^.r Litcrgies whatfoever : For the ufc pfthem is afelfc d^vifcij idoktrous, antirliriftian worfh^p in your account Thus you know your Brethren of the Separation have difal-. lowccf all fet and rtinted formes, as humane inventions, forbidden in th^fecond Cpmnwndement,Imagee,WiU-worfhip, fdol-prayers, Falfc worfii^p^Lip-labourj&c And you your fe!fe infift upon this principle of the Nonconformifts, asth« caiift of Separation from the Church of Ehglanr^, that ail formes of worfhip not prefcrJbed of God, are will-worfliip j which if it mafceth againft one, holdcth a^a.inft all prefcribed Liturgfe. Ag^iine, you confcfle that every Church *s npt to be for^ken or left, vyhich hath fomethingin it, by participation, idolatrous r And therefore our Service i$ notdevifcd wor{hip> becaufc it is taken out of the MTaflc-book^, as you allcdge;bnt fimply, because it is dcyiftd; whenc^oevcr ;t had its originall, if it be deyifed wovfhip. Firft therefore Wfc muftconfidcrthe matter in generall, and then try whatisal-ledged againft our booke of Common-prayer.

^ Theft words, ^<'^'w<*J''/^cr7^'/', may be taken two wayev Firft, to note the fubftanti.ill parts, Ormcanes of wormip* aindinthisfenfe itismoftcme. That ajl fornics of worftip notprefcribcd 6f God, are unlawfoJl and falfe worfljip, be-Caufe deviftd by men.

Secondly, To note a bare order, mcthode, or phraft, wherein divine Service is performed : And in this ftnfc, the Nonconformifts never (aid. That all formes of worfliip not. prefcribed are falfc, or devifed worlhip. For they know, that no forme is determined and prefcribed of God precifely in aUjJ-artsofhisworfhip, and where none is fct apart by his Majeftie, it is a breach of his Commandement, and devifed Worfhip, to place an opinion of wor/hip in the fimple order or phrafcof fpeech ufcd in prayer; oradminlllrationofholy things..

The.

C7)

TheNonconformiftsconderane not aLiturgS or fainted vkc of God ihc»r forme of prayer, but defirc that all things thereui might be pl"f^w^« form« ordered as doth tend moft to edification. Whatfoever excep- l\ ^hc Saaamcms tions they have taken againft our Booke of Common-prayer, they thmke bcft, thev never dilliked die ij'e ^f it, fo far asthw^y indgcd it found is no ^wt of qm and good. They doe not coridemne it vvliolly, but fifide fault thought, or point with it, as in feme points d ifegreeing with the word of God. yet°"^that Pdnccs What hath beene their (eeking from time :o lime ? a raring of may by theirlawcs the Communion Booke! No; but a purging and fiiiog oiitj prcuribe the right after the patterneoi'tbatcare, whir! former exampleB lee us. f«thto bee prca-The BooKc of Cammon-prayier, they conden^ne not as a wic- ^^^^»^^^"f ^' y'" kid and ungodly Booke, much l^ff^: the Service as falfeL devi- ^t" nd JrJth a fr?' (y^, and Idolatrous ^ i)ut they hi^ft and doc ufe the booKe,and ufedj Sec* pi;ofeffe their readinefle ib to doe^. ji, Uy they de^ co bv«K- T. c. repf.i ./tff .8, cufedinfomethitigs, which they juclgp to be amiflfe* I^arli,oftheCroJfu

InthcadmQmdipnprifen^ed ;:o the Padiaipeiit Ai|. rjjra. ^^'•/***• ^**^* sfj^s tWy prcrfdfe. We have at *41 times born wit^,tUa£ which A,ivJanf t$ [ate we have coiid .not amend in this Booke, and have u&dtfit: poftjhArtU.f^Ti^ lime in c ur Minij^ry fo farre forth as we toight, reverencing tho(e cimes^and thole perionp^ in which^and by whom^t was inlAPthpri&d. ■ , ; :'i

Thou^ thcfd^ they Writjc, that it was tvifeen outiafthat Admonlr.x^pdg.^ PopilhdunghUljtHepoFtiufij^and vile Malfe-boofce, tbftthe t^arl^^oftheCrtjfe, Papifts iiicife no little advantage out of our Communion- f^'^'J-f^jyefl"*^. Bookc, which thcyterroe anEn^liflitranflatiionoutoftht ^*'^*'^^* Mafle-baoilcc, and out of the difficulty, ^vhereby it came in, Parfon: $f the j: many Proteftants themfelves, adjudging that ^hc ftabic of po- conferJienf ofEnl pi(h fuperftitiop w« not throughly purged out of it; that g'<»^.ptfc.». Brlflerv drays the likenefle of our Servicc-booke to. the coun- ^rifi. mttiv. J4. tcnancing oftiieir Mafle-hooke; And the Rhemiits the abfo- A*rw« in Uhn i9l loHion of the (icke prefcribed in our Communion-bookisjto ^''^' ^' an approbation of their abfolution. Auricular confeflx^^ and Sacr^unent of pennance : Howlbeiver tliey difallair the (ervice, as it is praftiled in vifitations,and injoyned in the late Canons, wliich deniethlibertie not oaely to omit a ceremony,but alio to addcjalceoor omitany pne word of thcnrhpie Park-oftbe^rojft; Liturgie, when we affirmc the words of the Lofds praycr> a^ par,i.ea.^./ect,ii, the forme ii. Baptifme and the Suppei; may be altered, with- ^* put fault. Tho^igh in^hefe^hhig^theiy take exception iigainft the Booke, and the mannerof urging it, yet they never di(^ liked the ofe of ic alcogethg:^ much Icflic condemned it as a

fallc.

(8-)

laK^ dcviftd, and jdolatrou? worfbip. Their profeflfion aiKi nraftice from time to time, h^^h before and fince the Contro-verfics ^jre moved aoout the BooRc, fpealcc plainly in this C4H. N«ce(v ofse- ** matter. Judge then your felfe, whether if be not a notori-^at. fig^ X»J. ' -' ous raluniny in you to write, That our ftinved (ervice, de-<* vifed by the iiiftiop, and tranflated from the MaHe, is affir-'' mcd by our ownc Writers, to be a falfe and forged worftiip, ^' and that it is even lo, I appcale to many of your confcien-'^ ccp: Foi- why doe you loath to ule the {anic in your Fami-" lies, but becaufe you I w it is not^hc incenfc made by fire ^'fron* the Altar of the Lord. Is it a fmaU thing thus t6 fiandei- and reproach the fervants of Ghrift; contrai^ to ihjAt VJiitAngs, profeffions, »!"< »n afticeSj and ypur owne Confoi-cnce ? And what a valne iUi'mife is this, that becaufe they foi* beareto ufe it in their houfis, therefore in tonfcience they know ii to be ftrange IncenfJe i As^^if many th'ihgs might not be forborn^^ which in themi^v^s are lawfiill ^ Iti reading the Scriptures a Chriftian may u(fe one tranflatlonV when he doth not ccndemne others as abhomination. I may preuimr, in * ^rivateyou mafce not u(c of the Lords prayer, and fo offomc

others; and yet you would not^that another jSiouId fit in your konfciertce and judge, that you know it is' not the incienle niadc by fire from the Altar bfkhitLbid fQr if you be foprp?-^mptuous, fobej jn^ well advifcd- men will^dnjit no&ci J ' conclufbns.BtithtreyoumuftriBn^attbei igaihc,iiiatnom^

thode/orderj-or phralebf jfpceeh itip^yer ', left undeternip. ' BcdofGod^cahtriiely be called or eftcemcd the inccnfe made .:.V• \.'i.ut!^\ .|jy gj.^: pj-ayfcritfelfe, and'ni6ttlie^hra(coffpeech,whethier dc\d(ed by another or by bur ftlveS,Kre(embled thereby.

But the whole-forme: ( y^ii (ay ^ of the Englifli-Church-iervicc-Books is borrowed but of the Mafle^Book.picked and culled out of thie'Dunghiil'i^as the Nonconformifts write. *Jou addcj-Th^ not onely tht forme, butthe matter alfc was saken ous: of the Mafle-Booke. :

It is true,th« NonctMiformifts fay, it was in great part picfc^ «d and culled out of the Mafle-booke ^ but it fblloweth not thence, that either iti^; or was effeemtd by them a deviftd or falfe worftup j for many thirTgs c?Oiit.eincd in the Miaflc-book« it fclfe^are good and h<^y« 'A^ Pearlfemay befbund upon a . Dunghill; we cannot more credit the man of finne, than to fay, thatevery thing iiuhe Mafle-booke is-devilifti and Afl^ V ... \ chriPianJi

chriftian. For then it fliould be Antichriftian to pray »mto God, in the mediation of Jeliis Ghril}„ to read the Scripturep, to profeflc many fundamental! divine t uths necc(rary1;o Czh : • ^V'*''^ vation: if any have mifliked the Booke, becaufe it hath too ' "'^ ' ^ ;, much likelihood lo the Maflc-booke 5 that hath not beene the T -^

SudjgemcqtoftheNonconformifts alone, others have iaida^ 1

written as much, who never yet condcaincd the tJte of the '

Bopke, or all things therein cpnteined. Popery is a icab or ' "

leprofie which deaveth unto the Church: It itandcth nioirly, inerroneous,faultie,groflcandab'i^minable (uperftruftions . , .

upon the true foundation^ whercoy.thcy poylbn or over sMi/v : L'^.v

throw the foundation it felfe. But take away the fuperftrufti '' ' '

onB, and the foundation remainf'ch: remove the leprofie, aud the man is found. Many rupernaw'A.vU divine truths of God are mixed in the Popiih Synagogue; as pure gold with mucb droflc or earth, which the refiner is to purge and feparate, but not to cafl away; Our (erviee was picked and culled out of the MaHe-booke, you lay $ and fo it niighci and yet be free from ai!^ult and tioclure, iromallthew and appearance of cvili; though the Mafle-bookc it felfe was fraught with all manner of abhominations. For if Antichrilt fit in the Tern-pie of Cod> and prpfefle himftlfe the fervant of Jcfus Chrift, ofneceiEtie^fomcireafures, riches and jewels of the Church muft be gathered into his den, which bcin^ collcftcd, purged, and refined, might ferve to adorne the chalte (poufe of Chrift. Neither in fo doing doth the Church honour Antichrift, but challenge her owne right, Ifftiee retaine ought that belong-cth to Antichrift, thatisherftaineand blemilh: but the recovery of that, which Chrift, the King and Bridegroome of his Church hath given, as her wealth or ornament, muft not be imputed a fault. Chrifts Religion is not fo needie or un« perfeft of it CeKe^ Co needy and beggarly, that it muft borrow JBi^bringdayes of the Heathen, Altars of the Pope, or Veil'- IVillim Salithiif, mcnts of the Jewes: But as the Church is plentifuiiy furni- 5he*Po ^^"b'^'^ ^ (hed by Chrift, and needcth fupply from none other ; fo it is ^^, ^^l^ ^""* her part to retaine what is freely and gracicufly vouchlafed of him.

if it be wholly taken cut of the MaflTe-booke, how comes it BUfcn.chrifi^^uh-to have thofe things, which are fo direftly contrary to the ^v^'-^^^^'^^j^^?^* Mafle^that both cannot polfibly ftand together. In our booke ing«f notcffcmir of Common-prayer, we pray to God oncly in the mediation all parts of the Sa.

B b of ciamcntjbutofthe

S.fpp« theyare,oir ofiJWfiisChTUk'»ndlnla'"kii6wneiangaa^';Wc^pr^fcflc that of the Lords infti- (^r\i\ hy oneobUtioii of himfclttJ once for iiil, fiatltmadt jt' sution.ForChrifts fujj^ip^rfeftV JUid ruffiticnt fdtisfa^ion for the'finiiCT of the' «h a^wfllThe ufe wbolo world -that Hie hath commanded a per^etrrall remcm-' as thc^ matter or bf^nc^of his death andpffion in that his ordinance of the,: forme that muft be SAp^F^: and that the Sacrament is to be adrainiftred in both ;• ufed. A Supper is fefttdg ^ the Mitiift^r attd the people communiRrtdng together^^ T °d'!f t^""!?' wfe^e'thefethingdHaken oiii oftheMafle-booke>TheChntcfr' firaft o*f eating of Kom6 joy nfth the two firft Coiliniandcments in one,t>r tau' that which is pro- k«th aWay the fecondj thcrAy to cloake their Idolatry in the vided; And fo the vvoi'ftippirtg^oflitiagfefl': Ba^the «onfimon^ayef»bc)oke<if Lords inftitiition ^}^Q']^itri^<of:gHpa}id^i>Wxi\iib€tn ihto twO, tHcreirtfol-^'IJS^/J ^^^ II I^in£?{-WO©^thei'^**he*saei«Gft'extcptc<i''J^ll'Antiqilltir, ^he wG^d'an'de- afe^ fttteth do«rne the we^ds of the fecund Cdmaiandemtnr Icments. aiUt^ The ChiJrch;ofRome teaehetH, tha^^n the-S^ra-

Bilfonxbrlfi.fub' nient of jlie Euch^riftj, thtfbody and Woud hi iihrift is recct-, jeif.part^.p. j $6, y^d andcatemcaunally ^ t*i?<ca* much ie^received in 6nc kitidcy JftinoS\c iSi; a»in both'^^nd ohatincheMiflfe Chrittiao^erediop a« a prb< giftrat«& pienJ pKiatoryunblouddy SuMae^^ foi» the fmhcs* 6P«ji??c|^ and' have part of Gods diad rButlhecommon-fJpayer-boGkeK^f the^ChUECh'of £')i^i external] honour, /^^^JnJjheformeofadminiftiing that Sacramene, teatfhetlj^ bccaufe they pre- ^^^^ -TJ^acfpiritual^by huhi wee*fedd ort'himftr Ovit ■ iudeine and bicf hScts^ eating anddrJnfcingiTt>i^membwnQethfe«Chrift%€dJ ingjfomanylma- aod'Owdhi&bJoudforusi inaieMafle the Prfeftfec^eth^" ges have part of his loiiEyihtepeopIeilandiia^ijyjgazing on : hwt theMinifter atid*. cxternall, though people j|re appointed with us;t®>comfflUnica«e together •' sic-i' Tnour Anf«Tr11 JJording to nhe iftftituiioiiicf GHlift,. ahd prtta!ce<)f the Jjrfti tru?y returned "ti« mitiveChwLch.:. mdmikEthQloammmmn of the; Eucbariff-not in your hands ptopfrly- a5i»anatricnt j Theyy'a Sacr^tnenc and' a^Sacrifice-to make allowance ppQpiJciacory: They celebrate at-an<AItar: wee at' aTablej*, of Gods honour to aecordiiig' to the exa.mple of bur Saviour Chrift', his Apoftles^ Tgarejcod him. andtheprimitivQChurchipthepureft times. Wee pray for feife hath made a' tlie living-; Jhe^^ for theitvjng^nd.dead.. And rfjthetebenot-pliwne prohibition points direftly and exprefly contmry to theRom^ne fei-vice^'-mthis.caTe, that Ronjeis much departed from her felfe. ''^'■

Images Ibail; have *

no part of his cxternall honoiir. The words arc asd^are as day^lighr; thou Jhdlt nottol9\ dontne to then?. ' . ,

Tho\ SfflMw, Cii/cf*. i|* hiij worlces in fol. ptirit^d' ht Lordyn»./fw;ri t j^X'i f. 4*4* Tfix i'^.QforJib.i. pff/,^?. The JJupke of Coipjnon-prayer, befpre the Comrnunioh. C}p!r.Ep^6i^ AdCiicmm. ■ :^fi{n.Martyr, in Aptoi.J-- Iren. lib^^. cap. i^e* lit.^.cap.^r Gminn.l^ecrtti pm^-^.di Qonfi(u^fi> a, c<ip. io^r»y.i8. j*?. Vurand^ rationak diyijt^ •oi^t.likiinCap^Sii^ "i-.. a ■ ■'^

^lrnikrcwt«w« !n tba*- ^partfctflar 1? a iweiv jugling trick, ■fihatdib Aiighf Snfinbatc^a diafvge of Religion, might ^eri^c ainobg:ui wiriiDUCany great-alter^tibi/jiV^hich'^MSlilidJr^gLx. tst^.s.^^trvA* the light(hould fee'turnccl inijo &irkni& knd ncft ^6Cpi^: • If''' ' '' '

luamy points ^of Popry be 'not-coiidenvried ixpr«fly in the jdDatjechirnitfi Jdr S«rvic6-fab6kc f which are for- the iflftruftrdn •,«rf"thetti^lrm tlttf;p0uHcfcf of Ri^Kgioni^ atJditht;;KhiHnfflA-"tionof the boiy things of God, and notto ftlcW'Whjitij cbti-demned in Religion) yet fo many points arc tlv^re taught i-•^'^ .Wt«f»t. ^=«''"^ re£tiycocrarytothefound«tionoff*Gperyjthatitisnbtpoin* ' ■ ' ' ' ble Popery iiiouldftand, Jfthey take place. And whertas An-tichnftianifitteftandcth in ui>godfy fiip^l^u^ions^ai'd addi- . - 3,.sii a .!»it ■ *ions to the truth and woi (hip of Godj both rtiAtstcr ':^d bfc- ' Ha jsv ^'>ljji! jcft, if the Catechifnie and Scrvice-bbcfce have not t?h<it%h .wobsf f

in them in hie feife, bf necclTitii^ they contradift the whole bulk« of Popery, which conlifteth in abhominablefuptrflui.T """^^ JUe?5oriTnpiousnivemionsof thteiridw'rifd* V i'^fcuiiu .^, ^^

Jtif9morcpi'<>p6rto£ay,theMafle wafeAdrfedtbOtit^^bhi-' a

man p^kyer, than that oaf common-prayer was tafe^noutof A

the Mafle-booke •. For moft things in our common-prayer ' *J

were to be found in the Liturgies of the Church, long before )

the Made, wh^«ofwee(peake,, was heard of in the world. ,tl

And thcMaflfe was patcihcd^ap by degrees, and added to the /^K

Liturgieof tht Church, now Onepeice, then another; fo that - ^*

the ancient truths and holy Liturgies were at laftftained with . '^*

the Idoll Of the Mafle, which was facrilegioufly thruft into ^n?JT'^''^^' them. But the prayers and truths of God taught in that Thf th'ing/%*il!c*

^Booke, pertained to the Church, as her prerogative : the «nay bee refervod Mafle^aifd thfe abhominations thereof belonged unto the man ( ^'^* *" ^^^ *^-

-of finftd. And if a true man may challenge his goods, which 7*^'**'»" °^ Hiefi. the theefe hath drawne into hisdenne; the Church bf Crod duft ^chX^or

TOay lawfully make claimc unto thole holy things,^hich An- hay * or ftubbl °:

'Xichrift hath unf uftly ufurped : That anfwer which is retur- But gold, (ilver,i.

-ned to tlie accusation, makes ai^ainft them that file for difej- ''°" ^^^ bmnb; i

pline, viz. Thiit a great part of their difcipline 'is borrowed "''T' I '^'^ ""^^

f' ^K A t. 'ft Ml r L •'i'l . •. r^ notbcthincsmeet

rom the Anabaptifts, will ferve as a buckler in this cafe; rofurmfh&main-

And it is this •, which f I doubt not) you will approve: taine fuperftition, -Whacfoever h proper either to the herefie of Papifts and Ana- ^^^ ^"<^'i things as tfapfiih, Donatifts, or Puritanes, that wee iKterly condemrie J*' ^'■""g^^n.-l may .;t0thcpitofhell :Butif amongft the filth of their hercffe?, i7to7erveGocf,'or iheremay be found any good thing ('as it were a graine of els forcomdimffe ^ B b 2 good and good oidcr.

Cii)

good corne in £ great dole of Darnell) that wc twilfingly re* ceive, not as t!; lirs, but as ta j ewes d?.d the holy Arke from T.rrepl.t.pdra thePhiliftinsj wh?rs of they were unjuftowiii.''; For herda Bpuile to the Chh thatis true, that is faid; The fbccpc muft not lay downc her of England. fell, becaufe flice feeth the Wolfe fometimes: doachcd with it.

^^'t/fu^nfi, lih. 2. Serm.deMonte: yea, it may come to paflc, , ^at the Synagogue of Satan may have fom? one thing at one .,^n3t with,«iore convenience, tjen thQitiniplajadcatholique Bifli6p^«»«/.5«y.. ChnrchofChrift: IfourBooke pleafctliepapiftSjit is but in Jojh. 6. i.». 3, in fome thing», wherein li» reverence to Antiquitie, wc come In religion no part joq nigh them in fome rites .and ceremOJiies;. but with the 1*° A h'^ ifc liu^ rMt>ftpnceof the miniftrationlt feUe tbry cannot be pleafed, Ii«ie,y« it hath I ui)l«0^ ^h?y b*. dirpl^Cc4 /with their mw ftrvise.^Ki will Ihadowr, jcnovnce t-h^ir Ownc Religion'. 5 ;; ,,;.!, ^ . ' \ j // .

,Jf Pope Pi«/ the fourth, promifcd toQtMisneS/ptahth, Tiut the fourth in that if fliee would reconcile her felfe to the Church of Rome, his .Bjj'lj'^"^ fo"** and acknowledge the fuprcn?acy of that Sea; he for his part l^^abeth^Tih\Zl woyldvbindfehimfcift^,to declare .thefentencepronounced a-pioTuvumerustan' g%i»ft her Mothers,marfiage^ tp b^Ut^iiftr, to confirms by his turnpottntiAinvH' authoritie the Englifti Uturgie-5 and to permit ^t admini-tuit^iff nuUusjsm ftration of the Sacrament here in StigUvd under bpth kindes. M oTbe Iccus reli- j^ ^^ no new thing for the PopetP permit, and Con^rm^ both, feKmt Siit ^or hisownefiniierend„wha|:.he doth not like or Approve. drruperenottten- It isnoftrange matter ths|t,!the Pope (bpiiM preferrehis fa-sarinr. premacy, before the purity pf Religion. And by the words

•'V"r!^^SfP**J"? of the offer, the prpmife of thePope feemeth nOt to be exteh-vi^ IcM^m dcd to the whole Liturgie, and fervice oftheChurth, as it is pricetjejttnia.ti^ eftabhfhed by Law^but to Com^ part.alone; perhaps as it was ptiTMm deltttuvi, .pra^ifed before the: facrificc: of the Mafle was abplilhfed. uliiatti aboUvit* for why ftiould it be added, that he would permit the admi-niftration of the Sacraments in both kindes, if he would con-firfiie the whole EnglifhLiturgic, as it is now fet forth. After Qucene Ellzjibeth was proclaimed, a Proclamation came forth, that the Lftany. the Fpiftlcs and Gpfpels, the Decalogue, the Creedcyand the Lords-prayer fbould be read in all Churches in the Engliflitongue : but is was the fourteenth of May after, being Wh-'trunday^beforcth-^facrificc of the Mafle was abolirtied, and the bcoke of the uniformitie of common- ' prayer, and the adminiAF^tipnof the Sacramenta publiquely received^ but whether the whole Service be meant or no, it is not much materiall; for^he CQuld nQt confirme it,but he muft condc«^ne himfelfe. If^

^

IfthcParifts for the firft tenyearcs, reported to our pub-lique Congregations and fcrvic, what can we -mnkc but that The reditiou5 Bull the hand ofchr Lord was with us for good, whiics we fought was f«'up&'" u^bi him unfaignedly, who caufed our enemies at leaft lyingly to liOjed by Feltln^z fubmit thcmfelves. For in the firft ten yeares of Queen E/iz^' rebellious traytor, ifeth there was fweet confent aniongft brethren. The Pope ^" ^^c twelfth yeer durft not curfe, the Gofpell flourilhed and was glorifycd: the whi^ b^r^d'** Papiftsdurltnot oppofe themfclves, and I tbinke there was the fifth ortheca! not a man that thought of feparation. The prtfTing of fub- lendt of Aiarch, fcriptionand conformitie in the tciuh ycare of Queen EUza- -^«"o > ^^9-heths Reignc, was that which brought in all the troubles and f^'l ^7^^ ^^""° contentions following. For after that Brethren wrote one the DoSinTo*? againft another, the Papifts they fell backe to their vomit, faith &°Sacra^t°, and in proce0e of time, and not long after, fome of fiery fpi- A7i, 17,of Q^Eli-. rits advanced the Controverfiesto fuch an height, as they for- X^^^^^i there was fookc their brethren, renounced their Mother, and drew qI^^ ^'"^ ^^j themfelves into voluntary Reparation , or fchrfme. Which DiS°ine"^m>jft rentahavebeene encrea{ed unto this day by the violent urg- h-eciUe (faithMr. ing of fubfcription and conformitie on the one iide, md the •P'"^^f»'Speaking of maintenance of that rafh and linfull departure on the other ^^-f^^'^^i) (^nte But thefc things convince not our fervice to be idolatrous. ' Z^ZmTM^f. In few words, if our publique worfhip be falfe and devifed, naw^O utmcwKri^Z itmuftbe,eithcr becauleitisa ftiiitcdor fetLiturgie, devifed tanunquajuiffed') by man, or for fome (peciall reafon in refpc£f of the former ^'^^'idepolit.Ecd. matter. If becaufeit is a ftintcd or fet Liturgie devifed by '•■•'^^« ^4•^f^ i. man, thenit is in vaine to fay, it is picked out of the Malfe- flo^uiihtngfime" ' booke, or it pleafeth the Papifts, or the Pope would have con- An. 26. ifnivcrfall firmed it: For this doth not make it devifed worfhip, but it is fabfcriptiun ofFe-devifcd worfhip, becaufe it is a fet or ftinted forme: And then n "^ ^° '^*^ ^^* the fame fentence muft pafleaganift all fet formes of Pfalmes, foliowcd'"rilvous Bleffings, ConfertionSj and Catechifmes. Then the publique troubles, a^nd'^the"n worfhip of all the Churches of God throughout the whole fipai-a^ionand fal. world, for the fpaceof this fourteene hundrM yeares, if not ^*ng from the C)ih. more, was falfe, devifed and idohtrous. If in refpeft of the '^i.^fi-J'^^-^- f*'*-peculiar matter or formejthen either the bare forme of words, Ne7qu,e^Ticebant order, and methode, mufl be a part of worfhip, or the matter probareporuerunr, and fubf^ance of prayers and adnuniftration of the Sacra- £t adbuctn/ancta: mcnts, be forged and devifed woi-fhip, neitherof which was E«/eyZc/;r<f*fyfowf, cvcrfaidbyany Nonconformifts, nor tan be avouched with %^Jhajftur ^^^^^ colour of truth. The forme may be too like the Malle-booke ^Acr: andMon.\o\. i»(bme things, and the matter in every point not (b pure as ?. title, TheCan.. -

B b 3 is nonofthcMaflc,

(14)

Is to bcdcfii'ed 5 buttheformeis not Worftiip, nor prayers and fubitance of adminiftration deviled worihip. •

Sea t. Htcef. Un. ^^^^ ^ ^^* unhoUnejfe cfthu Idol-haak^, as the Nonconformifis Ct; StpHrut, f. 81» generally have refitfedtoft^hfcriheunto it ; affirming it to befuch 8 i. ^ ^ire ofivcrke,Ai it is {trange any '^ill ufe it,there being in it mojt i-AiMW^pag-^o. z^ilea»4umlhyvfibietfjfugs. nyindfor this caufe^ they havcb^^ 'V^-Adir.a^^g'A" n,^^ijf ffjg Pecres of the Reatme, that it mifht he utterly removed, SiOtts pUa. j+t. i^ndmanyreajons thej have given tnJ£veralLTreittt]eSy tofrct/e i 18,314. Mr.Gt/- their condemnation ofit/jnfi and U^f$ill. Firfi, becaufe it is an ' h-P^g' »9 infeRioHs Liturgie, Romifi>-fiffffe, a devifedfervice, andin it are

■* ^j?^^' ^ ^ * ntany Religions mixed together, of Chrifi and Antichrifl, of god X A mo», 3. AndtheDevill: befides, abookefuU offanfies, and a great many

things contrary to Gods tVord^ and prayers tvhich arefalfe, fog-liJhyftiperftitioHSy andfiarke naught. Secondly, They cannot. ac* count it praying, as they ufe it commonly, but onely reading or '^'Aimon. j5. faying of prayers : even as a childe that leametb to reade, n his le^on be a prayer he readeth a prayer, and doth not pray : eveiifo it is commonly a faying, and reading prayers, and not prayings Thirdly, In all the order there is no edification, bnt confufion. Fourthly, Wee reade not of any fuch Litnrgie In the Chrifiian I Ai.moyi.pdg. 14. d^hurchinthedayesoftheJtpofiles, nor in many ages following. Altar Dam. 178. fill blwdneffe,ignorance andla^nejfe occafwned a prefcrift forme to be made for idle and dnmbe ^rieHs. Fifthly, Jf this fvere npt, many vpould make more profeffi on of Love topreachingy and beam ring gods JVord, but by thismeanes it is negleU:ed anddefpifed: for worldlings , ufurerst drunkards, i^hore-mongers, Mid other earthly andprophane people, away with nothing forvell as Ejtglijh A<^ainft Br 4?i J^^jf^\^'''dwhy ? but becaufe it doth not Jhnrply rearovethev% of 'Curt. Ch« power, their ftnnes, nordifclofethefecret of their hearts,, kut th4t thsy 4». 4 f; may continue in all kinde ofvoluptuoufnejfe, and all other kinde of

Learn. Difcour. of wickedneffex, and therefore rightly it is called theirfterve-us-booke^ Bed. Govern. 68 Sixthly, God hath no ))(>here appointed that the Church Jhould be Mart. Senior, p. z. tyed to reade the BookeofQommon-prayer for his wprfliip : and .|>raft.of Prin.addi. therefore to doe It is an high tranfgreffion before him, as great as thefmne <?/Nadab and AbihUi andfuch are liable unto the like or greater punijhment^ Seventhly, Jfthis were praying, and there were never an ill word nor fentence in all the prayer's, yet to ap-■point it to he ufed, or to ufe it as Papifis did their M^ittens and Evcnin(T-fong, for a fet-fervice to Cod, though the words beg^od, the ufe is naught. The words of the firfi Chapter in John be good, » Admm.pag. y j. but to be put into a Tablet ofgo/dj for a foveraigne thing to be

worne^

VMrtUy, thf Hp iiJUperfiitims andfum^fiandfi Utht ufe oftUii Sfffviee,-,:^,\ ,]■''••■ ''-y-'Ar ... \_:.'-:;-i . • ■ ,

The Nonconformifb never paflcd any condcmnaccwic (en* tencc ai^ainft the Boofeeof Common-praycjvasifirwas felft ordevifcd worftiipjoragaiiiiitheuleofa ftintcd forme, as if to reade it,was an high tcanfgrcflion before the Lord.Enougft hath beene (aid of theirs opinion in the former feftion, where* untQ adde this teitimony of a man of another Nation, whom youarepleafedtoftileachiefeNonconformi(l; The femous confeflion of faith well known and commended at home and ab^Qadi>the formes of prayer publiquely ufed in theCon*» gregations and families of Scotland,. muft be caft in a nevV mouldy.; ; i . ' i

It is true, the Nonconformifts judge it imlawfull'to (iib-(cribe to that Booke, that every thing conteined therein is a-grceable to the Scripture, but they conderane not the Booke as an Idol or prophanc, northeufcof theBooke in thofe things which are confonanc to the truth. And of this their* judgement there is evident ground: for we muft notapprove theleaft errorfthough in it (clfe never fo harmlcflejfor truth, becaufe that were to lie againft the truthjand the God of truth needeth not my lie: But many things muft be tolerated, when itisnot in our power to amend them, which we cannot approve, othcrwife we muft hold communion with no Church or focietic in the world. And of this marke are the corruptions noted in the Communion-Booke, as hath been (hewed, and is evident by the particulars mentioned in paflages which you allcdgc.

It is true likcwi(e3they judge the Eooke in theformethere-bfto come too nigh the Papifts (and fo have others as wellas they) and therefore have petitioned that it might be reformed, that we might depart further from them, and come nee-rer to the reformed Churches. But herein they ftiew what they judge moft convenient, not condemning the Bookefor the fubftance thereof, as a forged worftiip: How n^uch more convenient were it ( faithT. C.) that according to the manner of the reformed Churches: firft the Minifter with an humble and generall confeflion offaultSjfhopJd defire the affiftance of the Lord for the fruitfull handling and receiving of the Word of God; and then after we have heard the Lord (peake* unto us io his Word by his Minifter, the Church (hould like^

wi(e

Anfwer.'

Courfc of Confer, pag. 58»

Beia Epifi. u OraviJJimd nimi-rum tr in femetZ ■ ipfoi cr infratres reliquoi peccarequi navis ifi'tSy aut c-tiamfioia'viiiCor. THpteltSy 9t fuiti et aSiorum la/cienti-'. as non levitcrper^ turbant^erindeac fi de Chri^ignifmo femet ablate age" retur^^e. Sed vU till avitiis(g' qu^ condoTtandi funi Chriftian<e cbarr-^ tatiabiisqtiiepTOU fm funt execran^ da^ prvdenter di^ ftinguenda cjfet cenfeo, idqi tamen *>on ex carnii feet (phitm frudenti^^

T,C. repl. J .pac^

rife fpcaka unto the Lord, andprelent petitions andfiucs at: once, 8cco But how carefull h'^ was to prevent {uch wayes and ipeeches as Tome prof-flbrs of the Gofpel being private men, : niigh» biiemboldned to breakc forth upon fuch like exccpti-

onsjis evident by that /blemn requell he makes unto them thai T.Cre^l i'P' s ®^' proisfle the Golpell, in the name of God, that they abule not' his labour to other ends, than he bellowed it, and that they keep themfeJves in their callings, commit the matter by prayer unt^ the Lordjeaving to the Minifters of the word of God, and tc the M^giftrate that which pertaincth to them. The -*• Pf oteftants in France for fiibftance of matter agree with the

Nonconformifts herein. The u(e of the whole Booke for matter and manner in every f. thing without addition or alteration they doe not approve^

i becaufe they conceive fome things faulty, others inconveni-

.•.>.-v^A ent, and fome things defeftive : and ftri&ly to be tyed ta

words and (yllablcSjis more than the Lord hath bound us un-' to in the adminiftration of his holy Sacraments: But the (ub^ ftance of prayers in the Booke they never disallowed, nor the 'iAdfH6ntt.p4g.^6, u(e of the booke, as of a vile and filthy thing. Thus the Au-1 Admonu.pag,ii thors of the Admonition muft be underftood, when they (ay, The Booke is (iich a peice of worke, as it is ftrange we will uft it. And now they are bound of neccffitie to a prefcript order ^ offervice, and booke of common-prayer, in which a great

number of things contrary to Gods Word are conteined, &c, 1 Admtmt.pdi.9: ^°^ ^^^y profefle they have tolerated what they could not a-Fark.oftbe'crojfe menci, and ufed the Booke in their Miniftery, f© farre as they fart.i. ca.g.feif.^. might, even where they object as great corruptions againft it,-IVec receive the as in any other place.

fnTariec mayl ^ J^/"^! °^ ''^'^'^ ^ P^^y" ^^y ^^^^^««if the bare rehear-and in omitting of ^^" thereof m fo many words and fyllables, and none other, the ceremonies, was a part of Gods worfhip, is a tranfgrelTion of his com-doe in equitie keep mandement, whether it be prefcribed by others or devifed of the Law ,becaHfe our (elves,n5rfet downe in Scripture. And the fame may be S to edifie. *^!^ ?^^^^ preaching of the Word, to place opinion of wor-

fhip in the nieere aft done in fuch words or methode, is will-worfhjp or fuperftitioii. And we may fay of both thefe exer-%Aimowt.pig.^6% cifes foufed, as the Admonition doth, wee cannot account them praying or preaching, but onely reading or rehearfing or faying of a Sermon or prayer 5 even as a childe that learh-cth a prayer or Sermon without booke *, if he rchearfe what

he

(17)

be hath learned^ hf rchearfcth a prayer or Scimon, but he doth not pr?y or preach. But this is oncly the finne of him chat ulcth not cheie pr^iyers as he ought, it argueth not the prayers thcm(elv«s ^ o be cviil, nor the ufe of a Uintea torm<9 *

pubJiquc 01 private ki them that ufc it, or them that joy no to «

be diiailowra. If it be not praying as it is ulcd ignorancly for cuftomc, without a^edion, it is praying when ufe^ aright with underftarJing, hkh, feeling, and iuch like affet'^ong required in holy prayer.

We readc not ot any fuch Liturgic in the Church of Ghi ift in the dayes of the * Apoltlcs, andthcieforcno fuch Uturgic **<^/«*^*"^M-isanypartof Godsworlhip or fubftautiali meancs thereof, •j^"g•^'*''•^^^'^^» to be ulcd without addition or altcrarioof all or any Churclj, Ycu may wdl pcr« with opinion of neceflitie, holineflc,or merit. But a fet Litur- cciyc by the Apo. cic might be in u(e in their times, though we reade not ot it, ^Jj^' word*, ihat torthcApoftles (ct not downc a Catalogue of all and every sc!^o'^*/n"^*s''^ particular order that was in the Church, but give us a j erfedt viccprcfixcd^orh^ rule or canon of faith and manners in all things neceifary to mitcd in his time : ialvacioij, ^nd all things unchangeably concerning die go- ^"' when rhc chh. vernment of the Church unto the end of the world. And if ""* t^gethcrjthc there was no ftinted Liturgie in their dayes,yet for order a fet ac« [Jftmat^tlic forme ofprayer to be ufed in publique meeting is not unlaw- people and oiado full jbccau(e it is of the number of things which God hath not their prayers by determined in his Word, and ^ where God hath not prefcri- Kur«u|ousinftina bed any forme, there no foriBemuft be ellcemed any part of waj^JjT^hc f * ^*l* woiftiip, or condemned as fimply unlawful]. For as to call ra»,cc they had] that holy which God hath not fanftificd is (up:r{tition; fo it to which they adi is erroneous to condemne that as unholy or prophane,whicIi '^<^ thecclcisration God alloweth or is confonant to his Word, though it be not ^^^^^ ^^f^ ^"P-precifely commanded. But that there was no fuch' Liturgie SJ'^fctl'cdorprSxr in many ages following, till blindncflc, ignorance and lazi- cd order of prayer' nefle occalioned a prelcript forme to be made for idle anu -^ccpt it were the dumbt Priefts, is your addition to the Nonconformills rca- ^^J^^ Sprayer, Con\ and not their fayine; and more then can be proved by I ^ ,/ ^^^^'

lacer.

good Authoritie. Of the precife antiquitie of ftinted Litur- &c. gics, it is bard to determine, but that they l.ave beene in ufe in b In the addition*

to the Admonitio it is read thus ; Remove Homilier,Articlc$, lnjunaiont,and that prefcript order: wherein they ilcclarc that thtir meaning •$ not to difallow of prefcript fervice of prater, but of this formc that we haye. T. C, rept. t .fag. 105. Z>r. Whiteg. anfwcr to the Admonition, pag. 14^, c ^ilfon ilid.ptg. 409. Had they fct an order for the ferticc of the church , duett any nun af^ tcr have broken jc ? or any church rcfufcd it ?

C c the

Ci8)

iThc Biflwp« of thcChriftianChur'Thforthcrpaceof thii (om^et\i Mnii^ Rome were 600. yeafcs, J^not abc\c, nomancandenic. ilis'mt^i th^ltttotq-ye-jcs and upward, ^i^^^ ^^^^ ftinted formes were in ufe in thdGrecfkeChuHzfilfg, in thci afle^bV- t'^fore they came totbc^Latinc, at leaft mahy ^hin^s were fwc\hcy'brouehl tranflatcd out of the Greekc Liturgies into the Litine. But irt It to any ;'eticd iheLatinc Church we finde a ftinted forme wa^ in u(c In Cr-formc. Votydor.T)e pyiafjj tknc, in the adminiftrniidn of the Suppeh;* 'flot to inm! inveHt.rcrJ.$.c.ic. gp^^j^^t which fon\€ mention of the Lords prayw afedin Lmc of fervicc • th^ :-kbration, from the very times of the Apoftles. "And Willain, another: (bme the chiefe promoters of a ftinted Liturgie sit renotvhcd France, a third j for their conftant and unweariedpaines, inpfcJtchingevery CTef^.re/ffcn.idr. Jay in theweeke, and fomctimcs twice. So that there is tiCi l"sr r^c"^T*i probabVikie, that the firftoccafion of a ftinted - LitUrgie waS taz\ o e! ^'^'*' to heipe the ignbrant/idic or dumbe Prieftj as you are pleafed zi> Admen.pigA^. tophrafeit. Where you borrowed this clatjfe I know.not, lln the Church of but I cannot finde that ever tliefNonconfOrmiils hvtt thU$ Orr«rSfomeof ^j..j^j^ .; ,.;>.,.: ',.;,.> ^ 1. ■ •

their Elders, ftnn- , ^j ^ j ^^^^ j3 (,yottfdyi;<fi(^cdiHcilflCfn,tJlif*c6iw cers orinhabitats, x" «ii "»^»-'»" -yj . / ^ .,. <-4l»*' lii-*-'

TO venditate them- fufion ; but the ? Author of the Adtnonihon lafthjln all their fclves and the gifts order of fervice there ia no edification, according to the Rule* th«y had of God, Qf the Apoftle, but confufion : which fecmeth to be referrecil might fcnietimes j.j^f^^r to the ^ abufc in too many places, than to the order K pnvc^TtSrTs felfoprefcribedinthe booke,as the Jnftances following, c^f Table in atong'ie tolFin?, the PfalmeslifCe tcmiife-balls in mahy places, alidthe not undcrftood of peoplesftandingj walking, talking, reading by themfelvcs, the whole miilti- jJoe evidence. But the Bookc is not to be burdened with th/^

tude But this> fu]^5ofn^en,;houph too ordinary and common. . "v^--'; bufe doth not con- laimo ^-ii "•'-••j t, j 1 «• ifi '

ikmne the cxercifc The Nonconforniifts dlllike that nothing els fnould be re-it felfc. quired of Minifter?, but barely to reade fervicc: and the Or* i$'.C' reyitpAoS. daining of ignorant Minifter s they condernne, as contrary to St Rutgtf.Metaph ^^^ Word of God, and the meanes to nuzxle people in igno-^.Tt^lin'r ranee, fecuritie, lukewarmnefTe and finne. But the ufe of » aifeUeni/ccumex ftinted Liturgie, or the reading of prayers in the piibliqUfr-

to

*Smdat%hut beufedinthcChurch.'And in the other, no queftion many. *$ie^cavendi umm Gonformills doe confent u ith them. A prcfcript fervicc therC'* fit aliudfcquatur, fore and an'' ignorant or carelefle Miniftcry, nave no ncccfla-Kcepactounasbc' jy coherence; the one is iawfull, the other unlawftill, the one mcTtinpote/ljufie may be retained, the other ought to be taken away. It is no ^ri^£ilmm Upl conrequenccxoreafonthHS) the Nonconformifts difallow-

a Miniftcry that can doc nothing but tc^dc , as that which makes men ncglcft the preaching ot the Word, tbTcfore a prcfcript Licurgte is difl'riced. I To appoint or ufi a prayer conc^i^ed or ftinted ac the Pa-

Eiftsdoe their Mattens and Evenfong.fbr a fct (ervice to God^ , owipcver it b« uttiered ignorantly, for cuftome with lips ooely, alone or with others in publique or privatc;as it the rc-heariallof iuch words, though neither underftood nor heard, were an'acceptable fervice, from' which he muft not .^*p^rt { ^^^f- ^hrlji, /si-one word for any good, is a fuperftition iultly to be condem- 7j"-;><"'M'Mi^. Ucd> Thus to repeatexhe words Ota prayer, though never fo darionis aHreame :goodandholy,tis not to pray. But this makes nothing a- of your ownc,ihac gainft the lawftllJ, holy, religious iifeof aftinted forme of the Church of ^f-pr«wcrpublique orprivatCj whichisthatwcpleadfor. And »"'»'*hadaprei'cri. 5)is is all that canbe gathered from the Author of the Admp- ^ J)^„e.uncear ^/^Uioii. ThcEciifledsno great skill to difcernc the inconfe- fome ©ive^chapll ,^uenQC of this manner of arguin;^ which here you u(e; To u(e U m , thatfaid bi $ aftintedrforme asthc Papiits doc for a fct-(crvicc is naughty Jeflo within boolfj

thoHghthe words be good; therefore a ftintcd or prefcribed ^^^^ mig^'j^otgoc #■ **. t ^L 1 r II one line bcfidcs his

forme is altogether unlawfiill. , ^, , Miffalc for any

;,AndputcaleicHnei^rivatc orwngilarperlon hath Ipoken gooW. XKisyoui-rpughly in heate and pafljoh of theBookc of Common-pray- maginc was their ^fg or fecmed to difallow the ftintcd u(e of a pnblike forme of ^^^^^Y ' ^^"'^" 5 ;pray<r or Liturgic5hi8 fpcech or pofitionjdclivered as his pri- pfaj^M bkfr'^"* vacc conceite, ( and perhaps not rightly apprehended ) muft & thankefgivings* not be interpreted the principle oftheNonconforraifiSj con- though they were trary to thctenour of their v riting, profefTioi., and praftice, ^S^^ openly in the .piuch lefle mull his words be racked contrary to his meaning, ^o^grf gJ"on>an«J as ifhe condemned all ftintcd Liturgies as falfe, deviftdandi- ^ound t'/fay^°/u <lolatrous worfhip, or did leane untOj favour, or uphold the mcnj you'willnoe ■prafticeofleparation from the aflemblieSjbecaufefuchLitui:- ^^v^ *<> t« "IM gieaarcinufeamongthem. Church-femcc.

HoWfocver hj the grounds of the Nonconforv^lfti laid dorcnc in gg^^ 2 ^ fhe fecorjii fetlioKfffpArAtion mud rteceffarilj follow from all com^ Caru Hece/. ofSgZ wunion with thetn in the worjhip of their Chttrch-fervice-bookcy parat.paf^. 9*,9ia yet to have the^int ntcr^ ftilljp'oved, 1 W-ill herejhew that every 9H ^^« ^^9^* f^tkular thereof, is affirmed of themfe lues to beidoUtroHs.fnlfey ^t^chciftliih. Touching the Bcoke We way confider trpo things: \Fir(i^ The difiixEljervices thereof: Secondly, The Ceremonies u-f^d i,i andahoHt the fame. fVee ypill jpeake frfi of their CerentO' nks, thcit is, of the Cf'ojfej Sttrplice. and Kneeling in the aB cfre^ \ C C 2 ceiving

(20)

diving the Lords Suffer : Againfi thefe m^ny Treatijh havt heene'^' "".^j yrvrinen ; J mil here onel^ ohferve fame cf their fp:eches, referring the Reader to their Bookes^ if he dejire moreft^^ tisfaUton, t^c. A r ^ Voluntary fcparation from the ordinances of Religion in

^ * our aflemblies, is neither commanded by God ,nor caught by the Prophets^ or Apofilcs. It is not approved by the pra6kice of the Saints, nor grounded upon the principles of the Non-m A aifputation a- confcrmifts, as hath beene (hewed. That there be " abufes and gainft the EngliA- conapwions iu the Booke>the Nonconformifts doe not deny; ^pifli, ace. Epiftle and therefore iaallhumilitie they have (ought to have them J^k *^ k ^5^%*"*^^ reformed ; but that they affirme the whole fcrvice thereof to S & Irel^d £ be idolatroua/alfe, Antichriftian, that is your impudent flan-vcry noyfom v» ccvi dcr. That many Treatifes have been written againii the Gere-which Gods hxnd nionies impofed upon the Minifters and people, is very true.' ■ever had pj^^cd, g^ jj^ »|^e relation which you make out of them, theft few '&^TbritnpL^tl things mutt be obferved. Firft, what is fpoken of one Ccrf-thc anfwf tfg 169. wony, you apply to all, when there is not the fame reafon of acknowlcdgcththc all. in the judgement pf them that wrote. Secondly, what reformatio of En- they Write of the Ceremonics as they are u(ed amonglt the Pa-f fci;^ ^'^ ^*" ^^^* ^^^' y^" report as if they imderftood it of the ufeof the dcicmvt. Ceremonies as they arc imipolcd aodinjoyned amongtt U5.

Thirdly,The private opinion of onCj youalledge, as if It was the common principle of the Nonconformifts, though you doe,or might know,that generally they are of another mind • "' Fourthly, Amongft, your chiefcft Nonconformifts 3wu^ af-

ledge, (uchas bcnotEnglifh-Nonconformiftst, norfpcakeof Englifti-Conformitie, but that which was lately brought in itmong themlelves; whole cafe doth much differ from ours in their judgement. But the further examination of thele things , isnecdlefle; let us hcare how from theft principles of the

NonconformiftSj you can conclude the neccflitic of Scparar tion. €sh\ N((e/* tfSi- Prom 4II rphich, this argument may he framed: ThAt yvorjhif ftrtt* f$/^* y9. *^ ^hich aman cannot foJfihljcommHmrate without ftnne, he is ifoH^d necefarily tofeparatefrom.But the* vorjhipin which thejh jdoUsare made andnfed, r7...the Crcjfe^ H^nrplice^^ andKneelingy A man cannot-poffihlj com*nunica*e yvithcHt fmne. Therefore from ,» that ^orJhip,Tvherein thefeldols are made and ufed^a ffuin Is boH»d

mee^arilytofrparAte, The yropofition iscertaine, andhjBo^ior Afliei in his cafes of Confcience acknowledged, %/€lthoHgh f iaith

•he)

C2')

*hc)rve ntAj jojne to that Church,in rvhichthdnj dtfetts are to 6e f^ tit- 4» tiip. 144 tolerated, jet not to thatintvhicb n^ecnntuit hti. ,'t. ^.mljfar" taks inftnne.T^e A^unrftion is ajfentrcinnto hjae^ jnakiow and o F^rlter. t>»j/r. sjealous Nonconformifls as ever held that canfe, and they have lib,\.fag.%ij,%x, brought good froofes.for it, Firft, becaufc men muFt fiie from I-dels andJdolothites: But rvhen they cometc "^'orjljip God after the erder of the (Congregation vehere thefe things are pra£{ifcd,thej doe not fie from them, %Ht dra\>! neere unto than. Secondly, Their hare prefence argues their apptohatian, and yeelding in (kew to Ceremonies, Thirdly, r Though the perfonallfmnes of ihe ^^Mini- fMr»B4t^s.p.i$S, J}er doe m t hurt the people, jet his miriifieriAll andpublujue Jinnei doe hurtytphich heperfm-mesfor the people to God, andfo their joy ~ tting vrith him is unlanfull. Fourthly^ fVhat example can he brought ^here the holy men of God have communicated nuhfui v things. The t/4'uthor of the difpute upon communicating at their eonfufedCemrnunions, ajfrmes confidently, that the fiAir is .iC" Ceuarj tothefmne of the kfeler, and he gives many reafons for i^ Vfhereef^ee/ball have a fit occafion hereafter tofpaake.

Canany naan beleevcj that the Nonconformifts fay both Anfwer. parts of your rea(bn are true, viz. That a man is bound to fe-parate from that rocietle> wherewith he is not permitted to hold communion in the worftiip of God without finnc; and ' /

that a man cannot hold commuaion with the Church oi€ngr land'in the worfliip of God without finne.

Theiirft of thefe propofitions is moft true taught in Scripture, ,which forbjddeth •'todoe evill that good may come qRom. j. 7, 8, thereof, or'tell a lie for the glory of God, and acknowled- rlob jj. o. gcdby the learned of all forts and profcflions whatfoever. If the Church fliall deny communion toany mcmber.becauft he will not approve theleaft finne, or acknowledge the Jcaft fcnownc efout for truth, in that cafe the Church is Tchiftiia' ticalJj which doth caft out fuclva member, and not the member which doth fuffcr himfelfe injurioufly to be caft out. For God needs not my lie, and by divine precept I am obli-£ed not to allow ugainft confcience what the Lord condem-ncth. You need not theicfors tak* hch paines as you doe, to provcthecc'TuptionsinourBookcof publiquc ferviceto be . ft) many ir* number ^or hainous in quality ,a9 you would make thf ivorld beleeve • much lefle to ftraine your confcience in SDifreporting as you have done: For if you caD ftiew, that by

C c 3, com* -

comtnuriicatingintVebardiiianccsofworfiiip, in ehatorany

other ibciet*3 or Church under Heaven, we neceflarily pai>

.i7i«o ,\4v*1 <• takeiii finne^o^ wfearibrrfoever, great or fmall5cither appro-

j^'Th^- goci^KtB^s vlng what is unlawfully or fublcribing to an errour fcnowncib

oi^tdab were f-i- to bcj it Will eafily be granted that it js imlawfuli to joync in

vourcdand bleflc.. th«[tconimUf\itie. Be the* corruptions few or many, great ot

°L in .Ir LT« nf fmall 5 if by communicating in thcordinanccs of^race in that

me intnc waics or -.'^-'^ m .■, " r./« ^' i*^

THvid their Fa- focifetiejmuft necelTaruypartake mfinne,lmalrorgreat5.onc

ther, and purging or m^vy, my comtHunicjrtingis Unwarrantable: And let the .%i.awi.A9itT,an •abufesbcmanyand gretit, yet if I maybe prefchtat thetrijc facrificcs and cere- ^vQ^-j^jip of Gpd without finne, confcncunto, or approbation "r^ibed by°cworff of loth abufcs oT'cbrruptionSjin Nroluntar*y reparation I finne Law, Bilf. cbrift. sgainitGod, his ChUrch, and miiiebwne foulej^vithdrawing fubj€ct*pan. i. p. my ^Ife frdm the ordinances ofgr^e> the comfortable ^re^ 3 z,But if the Prin.- ^cnc€ of Chrift, and the focietic of his Saints, without alloiw-

^ZZTiJlZlZ.1 ance or approbation from God, to whom I owe my i^lfc

the people werenot . \\. T-.v...Ar,x-i^'rV.;\.vir. ,v.\v,^ ,: .\^ ■. .A .m -i(v*« V^

commanded tofe~ *viiouy. , . ^-. '^ \^ -s ^ „•. i. .»,.i-.\-,.>;a

parate from the or- Your kingCatd(to'^*«f t>Mlttlpt%^ Dlft

finances of wor- Litiii gie, is to fmall purpofe, unlefle you could prove fome of

^'P* . them to be fund^imentall, hereticall, and really idolatrous,

Tcrfo pa1pab7e"if which you can never doe, or that by communkatin^inthc

the pcrfonbe not ordioanceffof grace, we doc* approve fuchcori^uptioii^,^nd

authorixcd of God thcn.be they one or nwiry, igreat ot'-fwill, '■ Wee tnuft ttot conj-

to rcformc them, tunicate in thi otdhianccs with them. Whi(?h if any man

^u'ifrr?awfull'for ^^'^ ^^^^'^^ bcleevc,he may khow froih whortj, but nbtnrfri-

priva^e pc^r^ns to *her to file :Fdr there will be found no (bcietic in the whole

attempt tfcem, "For world,wher«nntGMaChriftian ml^ht lawfully joynchimfelfca

when M^efa^prs andyoufs^^much leflre^iaW^inany'dthcrs.''l « iii3 Mo .io-sivih

deferVe to die; it . Yqu tell Us very confidchtry, that as 2€al*lrt a^niS jndfeioiS

men w purthem NoiKdnforrtiifts asevet h^ld that caufc, aftJnii^, that'amaj

to death, without fca«hot vvirfiout fittne comaltinidite in that worftiip,Where the

the Magiftratc. Cetemotii^s are uled. But whether (hould a rnah zidrtire ;iibrc

Bilfen Cbrift.fub~ yom.impudency,oi^vairiecohfideftctJhdrelrt'?Muftnot kt'n\\^

ject,part.i.pa.97, ftruftyou in every chin^,it'ltet (halt»<r6h(KJ<if hbwtidtxi^^ioufl^

2)4a/iicommuted ; i-^-n; • l .> i ^.'sh -. - -j. .. - A • / *

adultery Salomon JP^ i^'^iv^ in this partjcuiai"? Is tt not cdmrary to their'pro-

credcd 'idolatry j fcfTionj pr<i)teftationj and praftice? Doc they hot'ufnallyfre-both cftenccs be- quent the Congregations P have'they not^w^ittcn' hi fnamte-ing death by Gods pj^^ce and dcfeUeetfcti'ebf ? Who have tiryed do^vne'by Vdhft-pirSore'have" r-encef;prtad:ffng; writings' tfte'-ncgK^ = oPGods ordinantcs^ 'David and Salo- or the praft'fcc'offeparation'more thaii they ? And yet you man to death ? bJiifti'fibt to ^Vfite^' tiiat Crtr AffumptJon is alfented untol)y as U03 6 ^ v> judicious

^ndxheyhaye^ broighitgoodreasons£6*itl,-?u-mi;7?;.•j;^'!,

iirJiitdoloihhcs .: bat. men -wl^en they come to ^rorfliip CodimfocU f"^' * °»* \*.

tiff vhre,thC'CerentOKics art tijrd, they dof^ 'not.file jrotn'UoU, ^t draff neere uma thetn, Bucif a man (howld havuifiighdoui tt place of pprpofc ;o, maivf^ft ylour ,£ra«idulcnt ;iiiH ipicopfir Jo nab^^, aliedging of^uens vv'orl^audii^yiii^s'ji he icdul^ ft«i<ct

all men may tatc the better notice of your &dc\iuQi T^krc is ^IdoliraoreftriiSJy taken(faiithhe)(andanIdollotJargw (encc, which will iuchide the Croflc. Forithe btiter undrr-ftanding whereof, wee muft borrow a diftin^on from the ^ - •'

i*'School men, by which ft ihmg.'n>ay be gulltv of Idolatry, w The. Aqul cm: Ej^fin^Utitfr, participative, and CAtifMiter : which oir dbClrinc '« E;>/y?. ad Colof, at * hooifi doth backlCj that it confirmed by aft of Pari jam cdc, '; * ^^^- 4-affirming that to be an Icjoll in Gods fervicei, which hjth *""''• ^^ '''^'''^' Ixene or is like to be worftiippcd. What is worfhipped ijy ^'"^' *' ^"^^ ^* ^' ourfclveSj thathanldoll cflentially; what hath beenivor-fiiipped or is now worftiipped abroad by others, that is an I-doll by participation; what is likely to be worlliippedj that is an" Icloll,cauffng Idolatry in time tocome-ln which fenfe, ^' -^"^v/^-'vet.Te-Gideons Ephodmay be termed an Idoll quedtimmodo, and that '^*"'' ^'!^''.^:?; ?f* it may be even before it was adored. And hereby arc many y ^ahold.tfcidii, objeftions anfwered. Our> Writers deny an Inia^^ in the ttb.'..'ap.i,jca\i. Church, (ay fomej to be an Idoll, in cafe h be not woiih^p- f^ilfoif.x hrt^.fub-ped. Truejanldolleflentiallyjbutasmany of themasdefire 7f<^*;'«'■^4.^3tr. to have Images thruft out of the Church (of which fort there .^'Sft^n B; be a great number) they hold them guilty of Idolatry by par- not unlvfle it Ix tlcipationj and by occafioningi or els why 'x/iH they thruft worHiippcd j but them out. A (econd objeftionis wont to be madejlfthefigne ^^'* ^^' > '^*" '*'** of the Qoflc be an Idol with us, then vm!k men feparate froni «Vfe turn^m.o k ©ur Churchj and from our Baptirmc; which followeth not. ,s ijolame." From idols eflentially men ought to feparate by the example 2 iChron.i i.t j. ©f the ^ Levites and the two tribes that made feparation from «<^«

the^Calves ol Jeroboam^ From Idols of participation and cc-CafionJ men ought to kcepe their owne (elves pure, but not to (eparate, by the enfample of the * godly, who feparated not a 2 Reg. v6,iu from thcTempIe of God,far "DajpAfcm Altar thci e, and from

the .

Ch>

fciti sc.

b iBrg. «. 41- •^^Ghurdia bfraufisot her high places. It is objc^ once moreagainft' •, Ifoorfigp- o*'thcCro0t be an IdoU, then ,t V ' ur Minimi chat doe make it « idolatcw, and our Churcli

,i ; idolacFous alio. This followespot neither. For denomina-

tion being from the forme, and the erode not being formally r^n Idoil araongft us, but materially ( I fpeakc in comparifon ouhc Popilh CrolTc, in regard whereof we may be faid to u(c :hat whichis7nIdolI,butwedoe not u(e ' idolatroufly •, j iher lore as [> F/i%' concludes of the Lutherans for having Images iniheirChurches> the (ame mult bf* (aid of all tho& Proteftants,that will retaine cro(Tes>they finne againd the two fiffi Commandcmenrs, through Idolothifmc, not dircftly through Idolatry, and therefore they may not be tearmed I-dolaters. Howbcit,by way ofreduftion, Idolothifme is in i I (Rc:i ic« n* fome fort guilty of Idolatry, as (hcweth the * Apoftle, who in ftcad of faying, Flie from idolothifinc, faith, F He from IdoU* try. This Idolatry by redu^ion what is it els, but Idolatry by participation; as doth appearc by the x8. lo. and 24. vcrfts following. But this participation is not in our Crofle ( will our oppo^ts fay^ who firft Icaft haply they (hould miftake us, we deiire to recount the ancient ' diftinftion; Pins eft commn' nio,qti^m farticipatio ; nam adhancj'atis eft fanem haltere,fedai illamrequiritur ut prorfus uniamur, arcf-^ totumpercipuijMUs,^uod nobis propOfiitHr, This being premifed, that wee charge the / Tklngi ordained Crofle not with a totall communion, but with a 'participa-

Kv?r°nce""though ^^0" ^" P*^^ ^^^^f' ^^ ^^^ ^^^'' ^^^"S'" °"'* evidence againft they be but crea- ^'im. Thus M'Z^^r^r. Now confider how many ivayes you turej,a thingsthat faUffie hlstcftimony, and whether you did it willingly or no, fee Tacred by th- let your conlciencc judge? M'P^ri^^'faith. The Crofle is an ^?r ^ ^:f "*y^ Idoll materially but not formally, that is,amongft the Rioifts ration they" muft it is an Idoll efTantially, and fo the ufe of the Croffe, is the ufc not haye. Aui- dc of that which i^ an Idoll, but not ufcd idolatroufly amongft iQct,cbrift.Tib.i, us. You makchiai to fay, becaufc we njuft flie fiom Idols,

taf.$, Q«ivr»e- therefore wee cannot communicate in the worfliip of God ratur utile pgnum

divinitutinfiitutupr,cujui vim/i^mfcamnemqiiHteHi/^it, nonhoeveneraturqucdvidetur^ fid iAkdpotius quo talia cuncta referenda funt. But Images are fignes unprofitable to ferve God with, and dangerous; And Cnce the Law of God cxpr'-fly and ftridly chargcth 115 not Co much as to bow our bodies or knees to the likcncfleofanydiirig in Heaven or Earth, which it nude with hands, it can neither be Chnftj an nor ratholu^pe to dec It, See Bilfo^. Cbrifi* [ub» ject.part P«^.391-^7' Sl^''^he6doret.7)i(it. 1. ufcth the word Adoraticn for an external] re. gan' and reverence. Veneration is a word that Au^vfiine foundcth all the fignes & facraments of the old and new Tcftament: Aduration he refcrvcth to God onely, Avg. dc doct. Cbrifi, lib. I. cap. 9. where

« fit* Mittyr, in iCor. xo. \^4

C^^ )

where the Croifc is uVfd without firme. He iaiirh] Men hiuft kccpethcmlclvcspurcfron"' Idc'ctiutes, and nu partake in theu(eofthem> but not (cparatc from the Church oj ordinances of grace> because fuch rites or ceremonies arcufediii the adminiftration : ycu cleane contrary make aim to fay. That men cannot conimuni^te in the ordinances, or worfliij'" Qod in that focietie, where iiich thingsare praftiled, biitcw nccclTitic they mull communicate in thcfin,ie. Ht ».each''fh^ That he that ufeth the Idolothite or niateriall Idoll; is not aa' Idolatcrjbccaufe he doth not ule it idolatronlly:but you make* the Nonconfomjifts to (ay, that it is an idolatrous ivorOiipy and that itdefileththetruewoilhip of God, to all that are preftnt. M' Parley txtendcth the guilt of parcicibation in part onely, to him that ufeth the Idoiothite.you make him ta^ affirmc, that every one prcftnt at the worfhipj dotli cororaunii'^ catc in his o&nce. Perhaps you will (ay^ it is your inference' upon his words : But the consequence is abiord andiencei^ leRc . And to charge nicn c6 affirme direfi^ly >as a' prinqplej what you would inferre contrary to their expreflcv^ord", is far from honeft and plaine dealing. ■' Uz:.::j\ r,.: .[j r.. -Secondly, You produce M' Bates, (ayihg, That bare prc-ftnce argues approbation or yeelding in (hew to Ceremonies,.' I cannot (ay, you deale with M' Batesy as you have done by M' Parkp- and others, for I have not feene his Booke. ^utif anydich paflage be found in him, it is his private opinion,, not the judgement of the moft learned and zealous Inconfor-mifts: It is a bare afleition, not confirmed by Scripture, or backed with reafbn, as is meete and convenient,when it is the maine thing in que<iion, and might ealily be ojppo(ed by tnc tcftimonies of Scripture, approved pra^ice of the Saints in all ages of the Church, the judgement of the godly learned, found reafo , and the content of 9 A States *^hat ever upheld. or maintained Chriftian Religion. If bare prelence be approbation, I defire to know, how you can reconcile your (elfe to your(elfe. When D' Jmes alledgeth, that every Church is not to be left, which hath fomething in it by participation Jdolatrous. ^Youanfwer- 1 know no man holds the con- ?>C(S>t.Nttef.ofSe' ti'ary : therefore I cannot tell for what end he fpeakes ft,;^'^'^*^*'^*'''^'"^' muchlelic why he puts a fchifmaticall conceit upon the R^':. whofe words, if they be well reftificd, have fubftance and weight in them.^ But if bare prefence be approbation, how ••if;« D d ean

can wc hcild'c6fnnftJnion with that Churck^iwhenein any tiiiiig is left, which is by paiticiparinii idoktFOfW|, /when tHi« is that which- the Nomconformifts iropittc W^tkt Crofk^^ mohgus, thatitisby-paracipaiion idolatrous-in themthac life it. And if the rcafon tollo wing be well weighed (though ktit fclfe it bath neither wei^t ndn^ftance ) it will ovuiri. wcigKthiiz.Forif bareprefence be approbatioo*trhy fJjo»!d noctheper£bdallEnncsjo£.thc MinHter hurt^hopeople 1 of why ajc they not guilty of his perfonall finnes by participation, wnenthey communicate with him m the worihip of Godicheretheyiarepra&iced, as.TOpayer> preachhicy *d-miciftriiiibn of tfesf^cranients,, reading the Strip times, &c. Bte£biccqii «Isc iT^blJ -^.Ttaipl«: at Idoll-wctflliijif.is finfuM, jttooaEgii miieaitt i^ptretenHio dbteft idblatin^ t Vdlhe^ need>* fciiupiafencbisihere Idolothitfisaceufcd, as tocatE <>ft things firt^rificedto Iiiols iin the place of their Idoll-banquec, or co-fit doQimiel thob;^ he dee jitsOfaito, h rcandaloiisand offerffrve : ^ik^inr»[«9Qe ac<3pid6iJ^cihipji»^ch.Ck](itfaBttb conin!innded) wii^i^CfenftiaprerfflirooinectevWclcora* and bleile hisfer-vants, though fome things by participation Idolatroos be retained oriufedtheccih is neither fihfcoll nor oiEsniiye;, it cam-tih nocieHi ;tppcata»c4 ofap^c^tion Qrx:onrent. i ->:n>.' V (Thh diftinftionxif perfoftaU'and nurtifttilall finnes, as it is hcrsia^pilcdjl netcrifound iiithd Writings of Nbmconformift, tad ioiit ielfe it is a ifieert inverftjbrt and dev5ce,which bathno ground firi<m Scripture, and naufi liave nc place in Divinitic. /or iftheMinifterbe^noxant, proud, carelcfle, prophane, CQrrBptiit-iudgeimnijfupeFftitiGas^inlbnw obftrvatioiis* be thdfe finnes pcifenali br.pnbliqoe and Miniikriall, If perfo-natljthen fliotild not they hurt the peopJe,if this be trnc which hire you aifirrae : Bui vvhrn you are direftly croflc to your ftlfe throughout your whole booke. If publiquc and mmlike* riall^,then the people are guilty of the Mini&rs ignorance^' carclefneffc, pride, pairion^indifcrciionj&c. And if thelcbfr publique ajna minifteriall, I defire to know what is a perfonall and what aminifteriall feult. If a Minifter in preaching or prayer put up a rifh pfttiiion,-or deliver araih fentenee, give a weake rcafon, an unfound tryail, tfle Yaine repetitions, ftponfuledmethodc; if hernif-interprct the ScripturCjOr do« not foundly deduce hisdoftrines out of theText he taketh upon hira to expound j if he divide it not aright, or feme way

mif-

(^7 )

xnaapply ie; are Hieft pubGgiic and miriiftcriail or pcrfbn«|i jind privatefaiiitSjif perfciiait, I deure td know what makes» If ault rainifkrall and "publi<50c, and fee it proved. Ii" chat w*^ asdoneby aMi'vifterin preachiiip, anJ prayer, bkffuig and adminiltratiortcrf the Sacraments he. notminiftcriall^lknow iiotwhati^i«^becalledniiii^rialii If they be pi^ijUc an^ ■ininiftemlf/ihen^xliofbever communicates.with 'a Minifter in the worfhlpof God, liois guilty of all Lhriinspubliqudy committed by him in this kind, if that diilihftionbc of any worth. Which if it be granted- (if I may judge of your -preaching by yjour writing) itts high rime for all 'your hca-'fcrrtohaftifFOW yba, for you mi£ilieadge jcfipture, ftan-•deii thcgodly, (peake ejill of the wayesxjt God, teach many . iahhoods, an^ whilis they joyne wrthyou in the wor(hip cf God,thbyarep{lrCakcrsofyourtr'an(greirion, i -'■ Tht oipofition wfekh is made of publique and minifteriatt ■feuJt^,^ tb wJti <uch a8 he performetW fo«» the people to iGod, is as ftrang^, if notmorc ftrahge then the dilUnftion it fclfc, .\

as it 18 applyed. For lo preaching the Word, and reading the ^ripture,a'niihifteriaU fault may be committed, uhich is not "pcrformiedfot the people to Ood. fn prayer jthe faults of the Winifter are not crcr minifteriall, ifwc may belee^ic the foro-iumed diltiriftion, and yetprayer is an aOion performed for thfcptopletoGbd. And let that deftrription n:and,.and the ■ufcbf our ceremonies are no minifteriall faults ; for they are ■neither performed for the people unto God, nor from God unto the people^ as the Church profefleth. But I have flood too long abdut ■ thcfe things, btfcaufe in the firft Chapter the contrary hath been (hewed at large. ^

And if M"^ ^<«f^j be truely alledged in this particular, that bare^rdfence in his conceit was approbation, yet this is a peecc of (Jiinnihg i« you not very commendable, that you bring tjheprlvatijudgemeht of one man, as if it was the common jF^inciplc of thie dhiefeft Inconformifts. For Toyoudoc in this place, and (b a little'" before you fay, the Ihifteftin- hCanlNeee/.fifSe-txinformifts aifirme, that it is utterly unlawfull for Parents to farat.pa^. ^4, bring their children tc be crpffed, for which you cite onely "tTic teltlmony of the ferenamed' Author :"Ai;^ yet within a few leavee, you are not aftamcil to fay in the jiames of many at ieaft '. Note here how greatly they contradift one another, j Qan.Htceftf St, They faid even now, that their ceremonies are fuch IdoIIs, parat.fag. itS.-

Dda as

Ci8)

asamancannotlatvfiiUyjoyne ivitfuthatt^orftiip^Kcrc tBey are ufed, y^ ^rctLey fay^ that tbty arenot wori« than wen: the ruperltitions in the Jetves wordup^ unto Which Chrift and his Apoftles joy ned. The chiej e tning Jbcre to be noted is yoit unLonfcionable dealing. Firft, you pretend to (et downe the principles of the Nonconforroifts, and to infer re upon-their •grounds tt r.eceflltie of reparation, wheh you relate nothing V Be^d.'Eplfi. 1, lelTej than that which they affirme* Secortdly, The "^opinion ferum tnquitntyUt of one xnan wr.lking alone, y oa charge upon all> or the :hic-»5 inqu'xntmur eo- fgft qi' the Nonconformifts, who diflent as much from him rumpeuato, ana^ therein, ashedoth fion^ fhemoftrigidSeparatiift. Thirdly, TorfTwr. Heraichnot,Thatc.irUeremonies ar. IdoUs.^tfpeafcsof tur.lmbnehoeqm the CrolTe onely : and if he fay of the wfe thereof, asitisa^ diwifatu rfdedi-^ mongftus, thatit is Idolatry, it is that which he can liever tituK Quid enm prove, nor Inconformift will take upon him to juftifie. Ani abfurdiui efi/ium |f ^^re prefence be approbation and.<Qnfpflt,all woRftip ifiuft 'JmmJi^/rTvm l)eforfake!^, which bath anything ann^Jfcd untQ. h endnc-puHmmy iki ut ous, irreverent, fuperftitioiis in th^ mannerxi>fpe?fpjmancc fratrem lucrjtur^ Jjy i leMinifter: for,%^eemuft not dpethe leaft 6vill forthe c;w mfrmitatm gr^ateft good. Fourthly, Whatfoever you c4n make of ottf *lZmpanLfe^d Ceremonies or other ahufeS anA corruptions in the worfHip inn%r Ltur^ of Godi, I doe not tbinfeeyou ean bring forth^ny ope J^du-lauiari fAne id na conformiftj that ever ^M the \\C^<:>f th^ Cefemonfes amongft fcttSis-necdebet^t yg are worfc than the fuperftitions'and corruptions in the iu certe id ^eaa- Q^J^^j ^orftiip in the day<!6 of our Sayionr Chrift and his A-^"T/Tw 'tTpZul poaies^unto which wor&ipiour Sayipur ^nclhj§ Applies Joyr. ctunmittitur: ned.themfelveSi . 'j '''vio~'; :•. .--. J . , .I.;'^ ";■.': .-hl

i A difputeagainft Thirdly., Ypu aHedg^e the' Author of the DifputeiipOB the Engliflvpopim communicating at confufed Gbmmunions.a jfirming that the Thm.*°h f^inf ^^«" " acceffary to the finne of the ^neej!er., But he was no the cSwovcrted cc- Englifti-Nonconformift, nor doth intr^at of Englifh confoiv-rcmonres have bin jnitio. And if thcire be:aiiy;rpecialJ;reafonSy wh); prcfencf . kfpt and rcferved ftould be accotinted approbation with them- in tha^particm. in many C not all) j it is no eqUitie his private Opinion (houldbe brouehtco the reformed chur- , .•. ^rt. u •• »u r n

thcs yet they are thtprejudiceofthenithat maintaineanothercaufc.butasyet

not therefore to be we- cannot fee ei^hci' from Scripture grounds, i>r Nonconfofr the better liked of. . < > ,; ;

Porthere3fonofthe.refeivation.T5i^as, bccaufe foniC4-eyereridDivities,,&c. isfcarccly expected to cfFcftuate fo much as the purgirtgof the Chntch from fitidameiitall errors and grofle Idolatry,which wrought^"hemto be content, that leflTei'abufcs in D^feiplinc and Church.go-vernment ftiould then be tokraced,8w. All whichJince ihey were once purged away from the Chwch of ^fc;/aw^, &<;.,. - - .-

jpifts principksi that it is utterly unlawful! to bcpre(ent« tlieworfhip of God, inthcadminiftrat:on<7' ^'"eoffomcfti-psrftitious rite is ufed, or fome fault committed.

Your long labour iit fett rv^.downe the faults to be found in our Liturgie is to fmall purpofe. The Nonconformifts Hoc except agairftuiany things appointcdjn the Booke, as incori-veniem at leaftjand fucbas ftiould be taken away ^'' '^eformcd; aSj The reading of Apocryphall books, under the tide of holy Scripture, fpcciallyfuch parts as be corrupt for ^natter : The Crofle and Surplice as Idolothites by participation and Cgnesof myfticall fignification: Tne corruptions in the tran-ilations: and fome things in the f Oa mes of Buriall, Man imo'-ny, Thank%iving for Women after child- bed, &c. But thele they condemne not as Idolatry^nor as that which maketh the ivorfhip it (elfe » fal(e and idolatrous. It is one thing to iay ^Magdehurg.cen-(iich a rite is inconvenient, (uperftitious, fcandalouR,borrow- ^ '* ^^-"^^oi. iop. •d from the Papifts^not warranted by the word of God, in the -.^ "c^ontaints*^th' Uic will-worfliip, if the word be taken largely ; another that pure doftrme Co theworfhip itfelfe isfalfeand idolatrous. Therefoie I ^ill alfo ickcepes ftirf-notdand to examine the particulars therein j but proceed to P(ic'"e of cere mo-examine whatypu bring further to flicw the nectditie of Se- "^uican"^ GhnSh"

Paratlon^ asit.dcp.irts fronJ

. . - _ , pure -^oarin^, fo

SB' C- Tw ■ r v.". foi' the moft pah

itcli;..jgeth Scauc-

thfr to ho/a, teach, afjapracttfc the err ours cyid lyes contai- of God, and mu!-nedin their Canoy)S,Servicc'hooke, Bookc of Artitles^andtheoy- tiplieth its owne dering of Bijhofs Triefis, ttnd^Deacerts, doemakcafalfePrO'- traditions, &c. fh^t. Secoftdly.JVhether to hide from the peop/e the knowledge of <^<in.Stay.fa.tt^^ aIJ. the Maine truths, ivhich concerne the outward regiment of ihrifis vi/Ui'e Church, makeafalfe Prophet, Thirdly, Whether khUwfudtoheareanj falfe Prophet k!?o^'nefotobe. ^ur In Tcv}}at ranke of Prophets, unlawfnil Miniffers be^ and under what ' Scripture they are comprehended, J "^ouId have a private Chri-. fiianaskethis ^ue^ion ^ ffome ■Reamed Dizine, whom he knowes doth hold it lawfnll to hear a falfe Miniflers. ^nd it is very likely he will anfwer him mth deep flence. There is one ^tteflion more, viz. 'Whether the Lords la^full Triefts, whichfcrvedat the ^Itar in jerufalem, might not as well urge their people to heare Jeroboams Priefis at Dan and Bethel, as the Minifters now un^

D d 3 dcif

(50)

\ K the ^of • /,. tof0rftf4ds ipnx ta htkrr in fdfs.^lfm^i, 9'^

T'

'O your two U'ft ^eftions^ anlwcr hath betti mt(U divers times in fundry Treatifes, ahd in the firft chaffer<if this prelcnt anfvrer, and you know the Scriptures plainly gX-ledged, to confirme what is faid^ which you fhould have confuted if you had been able^and not againe and againeto con^e -^ ovcrwith the fame thing. If any learned Divine fliall aniwrt*

the demand with deep filenccj it may be becaufc the pa'rtie d^ manding isuncapabk of af^ anfwer, not becau(e there 'm why great dlfficultie in the matter. It is a received Rule, That-tfiie Accufer^PlaintiiFcjand Affirmer, ftiould make proottf of whjft they fay, and if you erre, your Q^eftionift will affirme, it la all one for the people of the forces to heare Jeroboami Priefts 2xT>an 2ind'SetheI, and the people in ^^g/^^^if/ to heart i:hc n2eitt. Epifi. t, wor'l ofGodinouraflemblics, you tnuft either bring gbod An enim ob/ecro evidence for what you fay, orbearethebrandof SlauiK^erers tii^LZedtaJinl orfalfe-Acciifers. Isitfufficientthinkeyou to%. If it be dppendicibm^lvAm notfoj let them fhew the contrary. Your (econd-'Qiieftioh , deip/a(iotlrina'jtt. will come to be handled in the nextChaptefjand there it fliall .dicandum-Atquifi^ be anfwered. Your firft Queflior^onely which I fcarce thinkc njiUam ejfe "cclejia j^^Qtijf ^ man Would have asked,pertaineth to this place wher-luT^fi pror/Jts\n ^^"^^ ^ anfwer dire6tlv and plainly, Thata Minifter<i£the cunctii doctrine Gofpell,may holdjteacn, and prafti(e,aceording to the feodk Cbnfii(tn£ dogma- of Common Prayer, ArticleSj and OrdinAtibn, and be a ti;ue tibui n^vus refel- Minifter of Jefus Chrift. Nay, he cahnot tiutly hold andpra-fioUCorZhM ^ic^ according to them, but of neceffitie he muft be a true Mi-et GalaticiiEcele- nifter in rcfpeft of his office and adminiftration. For the Wor-fu infcTipt£; o'c. (hip for llibftance there pre/cribed is of God.tlie doftrinepro-itaqjubition/utis fe(fed.iurefpeftof faith and Sacraments, found and thie. Ko ^Etkidum^'^'ei ^^''^ur either in fpeech hcrcticall, or which doth tend to ovcr-in qua falvum ma- throw theibundation which is taught in them. Suppoft tfie tict fundamentum, feventic errouis which'^ you reckon up were all true, and jaR-4H mtilto md^is ubi \y taken againft the Books, and as m?iny more to them might ritui Ccen<e 'Domu ^^ n^med ; as it is not the number but the qualities of the er-^1 7amTe^,^t ^^"''^ ^^^■^'-'^' ""'^^^ ^ ^^^^^ Prophet,falie Ghurch,or falfe wor-o Can. Hicef. If <Wp- One fundamental! errour fas the word is commonly u-Scparat.Pag, 143, fed) ovcithrowcth the faith: and twenty errours of inferiour M4.*4r alloy.

alloy* doenctmtfch hurt the truth and foundnc^e of tai:h. The maine truths wl^i^bconperr^e the very life a.id foule of Religion be p few,^ and tfie faii^ngs which .iiay lis nd '"ith the p yjl^n, de/uccejf. fubltance of Religion many. Let it aske a better wit and head ^''*'- '^^P- ^• then ever M' T>ay. for your •' rclfc)l!ad,to prove that there are '? ^f'^^^'^^Mse' halfefomany corruptions in the Religion profefTcd by the rT'iccrmmifnion Engljfh-Andtap£ifls(addeifyouplcafe,theSeparatifts, Pda- of the Cathol.quc gians, Arriaiis )as arc to. be found h\ the Englifh-i^itujigje: It ^^^^<^^ is pet bio-will not be hard to prove that crrours muft be ' weighed, rnd H" ^>' ^'^^^^i-iccie not numbred ;- and that the errours of all thefe forts are m ll^^sl'^ndlZZl: Ipecie much more dangerous and pernicious, thongbnot Co which many plnccf many. If yoii^an prove any one cirour in fpecie heretical!, •''nf^ ountrics have to be taught in tho-le Bookcs^ according to the trnc meaning <^i^"cnr each from and intent of the Bookes, then Lwill confent unto yco, that .^^^^^ f^c<^pf they hewhicb adminifters in all things according unto thein,is not fiuhor'4'od mant atrucMinlfterof JefusChrilt : But if thai cannot be done nnt.Au%/^.Epi^» (aiid Iprefume you will hardly be draiwne to attemptit) in ' *^ adiinuar.Eu^ aJJ your raging tcrmes and reproachftill taunts caft upon our /^^* *'/?-/^*-^f'?/'. worihip,Chufchj and Miniftery, you doc but foame out vour L^'ff. /'f"^"^" ^^* owne Iriamc. 1 he true Minilters ot Chnlt may erre in many things, elfe it will hardly be found, that there is any true Mi-nifterrand therefore to prove a Minifter to be a filfc Prophet, it fufficeth not to fay ; he • en'eth in many things ; but wee s Cypr, lit. Ep, j. inuft fhew the erroin s fqc qualitic to be fiich, as ca^iinot be in a ^^^"^ of our pre-true or lawful! Prophet ot the Lord ^cccfCors cither ig-

• And here I would askeyoi this oncQnefllon ; Whether Sotorrcr™/& there was any true Miniftery in the Chriftian Churches,with- Icccpe that which in th€fpace of thefourth, fiftjorfixt ages after ChriO. If not 5 ^^^ "Lovd by his what is then berome of the promiles of God made to the *^^''^"ipJe and au-Chnrchcs of the New Teftament > Ifycs; whether was not fiXiicitTcmt'^be their courfe of adrainiftration polluted with as many, or pardoned^ by ^the more dangerous errours, than can truely be named in all the goodnefle of God. Bx)okes forementioned i And lo exptSing yuur refolution of /^"l' ^1'- 43-This this one demand, I proceed to your third ground of Separa- l;camS''bre"aft^' tionjdrawne, ^syouiay, from the Nonconformifts Pdnci- hcc'covcred'^with

plcs> the tcares of cha-

'itic, Au^ufi, de

Jgno/ci potcfifm* ■

Cpltcitertrranti. . HAP.

( V' )

Chi ».\ lit

S B C T* L

Can Hectf. tfSc- f*^3^8^ thcfuhliqu^ Ajfembliesof Bngland fi4ve mt the Piirat.p.i^9t^1^' ^^^1 (mI^ power of the cenj.,rest And excomrnHfiic^ticn/bttt

fiand ttnder agover-Ament Vchlch carnervholij and every f Art from the Devill, and Antic hriB, then is their condition naught^thn are thejfalfe andAutt' chrifiian Churches, The reafon is, becaufe this fower is of ahfo* Ime necefTttie for the Churches of Chriji, an ejfttttiau freyenie thereof, andferve not onely for their ypcll-hing, hut the being it fe'fc,formthoHt this, there can he no coupling of the ^^a^ts and t *De coitfc, lib, 4' ?nemhers together, ^ndfo much ' D"^ Ames teptfieth, No^ the ««?. * T'f^l,* *»4' Ajfemhlies o/^ngland tvere not gathered hy anyfuch power, hut in their firjl conf}ittftion wanted the fame, and had this falfi tow-if" -which is exercifed at this day, as the Nomonformifls doe ac^oys> .^ . >■ ledge. Our arguments which ^e have ufed in this point,have bee»

^ to this effeEl: Every true vifible Church hath a poV^er immediate-

ly under Chrifi, to execute (^hurch-government. But the puhm iia/te Congregations o/England, have not any fetch power under Chrifl to execute (^hurch-government. Therefore they are not true vifthle Churches. What they will fay to this I know not, but hithdrto they have het^nfilent, or anfwered to nopurpofeiit the •world. For it is ufuallj their manner to teiluSthow the Churches in Corinth, Pereamus, Th> atira, &c, negUGedto execute dif' cipline, as thourh there were no difference betwixt omitting to ad* ptinifier the ordinance, and the want wholly of it ; jCd^ and to hai/i an Antichriflian and devilifh in the roome of it,

A W ii W B R.'

YOu undertooke to prove the neceffitic of Separation from the Nonconformifts Principles: But here yoii rejeft their Principles with difdaincj and build your refponfive conelufr-ons, as you call them, upon your own foundationjWhich jou know doth not accord with their Principles.

The, Nonconformifts hold discipline necelTary to the well-being of a Church, the fafety of Religion, the prefei vation of

God?

c?o

CodsofdinanCcifroili contempt. They compare it io thv

• wail of a Citie, hedge of a Viriey^rd, fence of a G*rden, and ,.., bounds of an Orchard : but never faid it to be of abfolutc ^^[[l^^^i^ll'^i^;. *'neceflStie, that there could be no Citic, Vineyard, Garden^ Chmcli ofChrift Cj Orchard without it.But this in your judgement is broken- is ch: houfc of ftufie, not worthy any irfwer. For where dot; they read, fay God, theCiticof

* you, in Scripture., that this powc* wluch Chr?jft Iiath given anj tJJe"liP? ^* to his Church, is compared to a wall,or hedgp^&c. Bat > ather of hit ^welfaclo "d it may be likened to the power ofthe body 3 which rereiveth Some: Shall >vc food, and thereby excrements are purged, and avoided, the thinkethac God is want whereof were in nature prodigloiis, neither could the ?'^*^"'J forothert, bodypoffiMyfubfift andliVc. Inthc^.::ne page you taNup fwnTor tha°con! D"X<»»Vo»roundly after your manner, tor laying, that the Aifionought robe y want of ^n integral! part of the whole is no fufficFcnt grciiH k ,Tr doubted and of Separauon. He (peakes, you fay, as a min moft ignoran. ^^^^'^ »P heaven-of the nature of Church-powcr; for were he able truly to dc- J^i*'''" '" cinhly fine /t, he (hould fee that it is of fach neceffitie as a proplf can- ,, '^ewt.Serm on TiotcoulUtute themfclves in the right order of theOofpell /<»73^.6.i,r.j.bir-j/itnout it, as we have? before exprellcd. Exprcflcd it ma^ be, ciplJae is lo need-but not proved by Scripture orrcafon, drawne from Scrip- ^"]'> -'^^ ^^l^'^ mrc. How palpably you ,bufe D'^«« teftimony is (hewed ^^",^^1^ before, and 11 makes as plainly agamft your reafon as a thing ly to diCcomfon can be fpoken. But that is biokcn-ftuflfe which pleafeth you thofc that feekc t« not, and he is ignorant that applauds not your di£kates. To ^^^^^ np^emi*, be taunted and reviled, is anfwer fufficient to b*^. giver, to us ^^'

fimple poore ignorants, who know not truely to define what separar*pa^i< ^^ Church-pow.er is. But whether this ftuffe be broken, or the jCyprMisp.io Noncontbrmills ignorant what Church-power is or no: this ConcU. cartbag.^^ is evidentjyour inff'^enccs in this point arc not correfpondent ''"'^ i-G'^^tianJe, to their Principles, nor can be deduced from them, asin tlic ^^'■t'^sB^rch '^■'^ beginning you promked: And tben upon what bottome doth %bfect.part i,%' this realpn Oand,or by what prop is it underfoc^but your own ? ? 5.1 do notnufl bareaffirmation, which is much too weake to beare fo great ^'^^ ^'^^t malefa-avveight. Whofocvermeancs ( ^youlay) to fettle well the ^°" Y^'^-'^'"*^', confcience, efpeciallyinamaincpoint offaithandReligionj "alJf°" ^pcHurm^' ought neceflarily to bring good proofes from Scripture, for adulterer j,ufurers'

and fiK-h like, but auo thccves,robber*,raviiheiJ, murderers,plagiaries,incendiarie5,travro«sanda)I otherbai-noHS offcndcrSj when their hves be fparcd by Princes, (hould be driven to carncit ami open " ■rcpt;ntancci)ctorc they be received into the Chinch, or admitted to thedivine myfteries : yea r.itlicr I thinke it very jiecd/uH ina Chriftian Common-wciltli, that God !^c plcafcd, and the Clrnrch preferved fioBi all ccramunion with ihcfc monftsom impieties. Sic. z Can, Hcccf. of $fi>mt. t>ai.x\o, Ec the

the iWngs whereof he fpeaKcth. For othernife men nuift girt no truft unto his words, or if hey doe, it tnuft be nnadvncd-ly. And what thinke you then, if men upon your bare word, give credit unto this areun^ent,is it not vmadvifed * You bid ^Bilfimiifmnce, • prove the contrary, it any man be abk. But that is not^o f^t. I. pag. I o. ground the confcicnce upon Gods truth. If your afleniofibe What we fay with- taught in holv Scripture, it is an unwritten tradition, an you without an. huimne invention, a dreamt of your owne, in yoof troncei^, fwcr. If that rule falte worftiip, and flat Idolatry, though your oppofitct be a-«iay ftand we nred ble io fay notbing againii it but this, that it is not taught of no further con^ God

lif*^ °J^f"f What the Nonconformifts will fay tothis prgunientyou fo/Xre ThtSdtt know not, but hitherto they have faid notbii>g, or -«5 goodats taunts * tenses) nothing. It id Well yoii foy not both PropoHtions tre theirs, I fee nothi:.g. asyou doe Inthc former with as I'nth cruthjasif yon hadfaid h Bit/in, ftrfef. f^ji^y^^ Butif you had peruled their writings againft Separa-pt»^Toc'^Tli «on.' as you have oWmed what (harp words they ki Fall a. Drfeiplins the vc- gai .ft the corruptions in ODrChOfch and Liturgk,youinii;ht wj nurfe and mo- have Knowncj that they (ay fomewhat, and (bmeidi^tto thip ihca- of all jcict purpofe, not worthy your an(wer, but what can tte^er be tnt-•fld qmeincffe, as f anfv.'ered : Firft, Difcipline, they fay, is taken two waycs. «fell in diTinc at U. " ' , r \.u u i j ! • • . .u -. fi.

inhumane Socie- Firft, Largely, for the whole order pertaining tothegathe-

lics, & aflcmblies, ring and governing of a Church, the ordering of divine woiw tiiough it be not fhip, ana manner of men. And in this (ciife, ^Difciplineis •J**-f« ^^ {P'JJ* neither the matter nor forme of the Church, but an infepara* ChaS':yet doA ^^* propcrtic, and (o there can be no Church without (bmc ik faften and kiiit Difciplinc. Secondly, Itistakcnflriftlyjfortheadminiftra-ikcaiembersthew" tion of the cenftires. in which (enfc, it is not abfokitely ne-•f,?ijcyntsandfi- ceflary to the being, but to the well-being andfafede of the "f"^ J^*^^^j5* Church. Secondly, Thcv answer that by divine right the M.9"TMe Gofpcl'l power of the keyesisgiviii :o every cOmpleat, ;ftpoftolicall: muk be preached, Church, but the execution of this power may bt wanting.^.

theSacran-iftSB^uft

\* fre^Btcd, for which porpofe fotisc muft be taken to the publiquc fertice, nnd miniikefy of ihc Cb»ych> fltc. Neither oncly the lack of the Word and Sarramcnts, but the provhanation and tbufe of either, how greatly doth it endargcr the ftate and welfare of the whole Cfiurdt •f Cbrifl ? yea, the cafting of holy tkingt to dogt', and of pcarles before fwine, how dreadfull a judm int doth it procure, as well to the confcntf rs as prcfumcrs i A little Leaven fowretli ikc wBole malS: : So that power to fend Labourers into Godf harreft, and to feparatt pro-^!jane perfons for defiling the myftcrics and aflcuablies of the faithfuH , muft ht retained and uftd in the Church of Chrift, unltfie we will tutne the houfe of God into a den of thecres^ Ice. Aft.>, 41, 4». ii'»*15,4^,47. & X«« *^.*». »*♦ &-»?• 41' 4^- & M. ». *i,

cjfhtt

cither thrOHgu tacir ■«eligence> c* becaufc they are hincrcd • at Ux Sardu, Thjdtira, Efke(u4. &c. And this is to the pur-pofc, for the Quettion is of the power to execute the Diici-plinc of Chrift, and not of the iiniple right to execute it. And in jour opinion tlic execution of Difcipline is ablblutcly nc-ccttary to die l)cing oi the Church, without which it can nei-ther bt gathered, aor fiiofift. Take your owne comparifon. xxsdtSc the body doe both receive food, and purge out excrements, it is not potfible it fliculd fubfill and livt. If therefore Surdts, Pcrgamus, ThjAtira, c^c, continued thi, true Churches of Chriil^ when the greater Con would not, and the better could not purge'out excrcmcntf, ot all were grofleiy neg-ligcQtj i. toUoweth th^t the execution of diicipiine or power Co execute iiilcipline, is not abfolucely neceHary to the being of the Church. Ttiirdly, The Church oi EngUnd wantctfe iiotthedUciplineotChrilk for fubftauce either in refpeftof cigh; or execution, though it be not adniiniftred as it ought. Tiici^ arc th« Anlwers which tiiey give, and they are too hea* vifc to b^ ijpurned aw^y with fcorne, when ever you Qui! try iheir weight. tBilfon.ibiJ.e4,u

Thus i might difnude your firft band^as being put to flight T^^ incernall r?. already.'fiptX will fpend a little t^me to examine both pro- f'"?^!" *^^ ^^ pofitiona. And for the fira it is to be noted, that tho word and SiA^in^lk' Chnrch^ tp let paflc other hgnifications j is taken: Firft, For hcarti of the fakii! she^omnmnitie of the faiihfull few or many, two, three, or ^''» « the true more, men or women, without guides or officers j for beJer- k«ng<lon» of chnft, versdifperfedanircattered by perfecution, Ipoyled of their '^^^ ^J^ guides, or fuch as being newly called never had guides fet o- ,n the Churrh of verthem, are yet the true Church of Chrift. Secondly, The E»^/d«i But there focietieofthetaithftill^joyning together in the ordinances of *» a ncccff tie aire

worfhip under a lawiuil Pafton* ^^ a true Church, though de- "^«««-nf gover-^ ^. ^ cc J 'j^^i-r tncnt, which rc-

fcftive in many officers and oi.finances required to the rerfc- fpeacth tho ap.

ftion of the ChurchThirdly,A * competent number of faith- pointing of ticetc full people joyned in focietic under Uwfall Paftoui^, Tea- »nen,and repelling chcrs, and Elders, to watch over, rule, feed and guide them in ° ucSa "li th ° h^ the waies of God,arc a true and compleat conftitutcd Church he° vcniy"il^fafurcs of Jcfus Chrift. of th'*'"ord and

The word Difcipline alio isuted twowayes, as hath been Sacramcntj.Asal-faid i Firft, !n a larger fenfe, as comprehending all order and ^° ^^J^^ ^ood uf ig behaviour concerning a Church in outward duties, and fo iffoMeciowIew-(among the rell) the daily planting and building by thecal- ells committed :o i ; £ e 2 ling thcircharge.

ling and offenngof the Word by thcMin'ftrrs and the hear-^Hf«ry>it»/jp.firft jng, receiving, and obeying by the people. As military difci-.aDfwcr,&c.i»(ijz;.5o. pjineis'put tor the whole arl or manner ofxirdering Souldi* ^tonouncTdaWcf- crs. Secondly, Inamoreftrittfignifica ionitisthe^oliticaH SngTan"aniicxcd guiding of the Church, and is exercifed principally, if not promife», no: for onely in the ^ adminiftration o^Church cenfiires; and this is himfelfc, I t (as that difcipiine which generally, all Ecclefiafticali Writers you grant for his fpeafego^ i\,nd this power likewifemnft be confidercddther I defSd7 (Ir'Z in rcfpeft of right or the firft aft, as they call it, of in refpeft other y\poftles-il- of cxo-ution and the fecond aft.

fo. Ibid. Set you Thcfediftinftionstluisplainly propounded, the anfwcrtd do*vn by die fcrip- ^^^ propofition is dilHndly this; Firftj If the word ^ifcifliTti? tur€s,what^ism^cat ^^ ^^^^^ 'm the Jargeft acceptation, it iS nec^i&ry «tO the liw y ou'by Saip- Chtirch, bec^ufc no Sqcictic can be held or gathered without tures alfo; that :he fojne order. Secondly, If itbe taken in the ftrifteft iignificati^ i» Apoitics had c- q,i^ ix belongeth not to theComraunitic of the faitnfiill few ouall power in u- Qp^jj^ny.. For the power ofgoverning the Church belongeth Tmin^Cbri/t ^ttb- 'o ^^^^ primarily and iivrefpea of ufe ai^ execution, tb jeef.part.i.i.\6t. ' i\homCbrifthathcomnmiHcatedit.ButChrift'hathnotgi--The Pricit hath ven this povver to the faithfull, few or more, but to his offe his CommifTion as ^gj.5^ whom he hath appointed to feed and governe his folke. f'^b'Son and ^ Thirdly, If a focietie enjoy but one Paftour or Teacher fer bidfcncrno"unw the time, the power, of j^overnment doth not belong'bhtd himlclfe,'but unto hlnfl. For Ghrift hath not committed tfiis power unto one his Lord and Ma- q^i ^nto many, The power of preaching and adminillratioi'i ft<-r that fcnt him, Qfjjjg SacranacnJs is given to one, and may be executed by frcach'himfelSh- ^im alone: But the power of guiding or governing is given fcrvant of ^ae-ner o the CoUodge Ecclefiafticali, or company of Governours, men than Princei, and nvuft not be executed by any others* And if one alone and make h:mfelle jj^^y ^ot challenge that w'^'ch is Committed unto a focietie, the fctvant of a J jtisnotforonePaftour to j/communicate his people^ And thr«ord"°of his henceitfollowesncceflarilyj that difcipiine or power of go-CommilSon,&c. verningordifjpencingthefcyes, isnot abfolutely neceflary f Adifputepdrr.j. to the being of the Chiii'ch. For if there may be a true.Chiri-

'; «^*^^;J^^ °^"^ ftian Church without Paftours or Tcachcra, but not> pjower fliftinguilh a two *

foW powcrof the keyes 5 the one Concionatiti the other ^adicialit. The former is propci- for Paftours alone , yvhofe vocation it is by the preaching and publiflilng of Cods.Word, to (hut and open :hc JCingdomc of heayen. The k«ye« of cxtcrnall difcipiine belongeth to the whole Confiftory. Tre/uf, itfiij. Tbeol. lib, i.pag. 187, g Fareus in 1 Cor. j. ^t Excow. Emm tiux conven'iuni Pr€shyterii,vi ordims fui Fresb/ttrialts, duo furit genera: Alidenim im^i^ diate (cnveniUAt fngulis perfentlitcr -.alia veto imniediaie convinntnty non4tt:d:m fjiguiit 'ferfsr.aUtxT^ fed cbnjunctiicotleziatutrftveFreSbjfterit, Fetb.lrenie,Jib.i.tap^9.£rep. s?.. fai.J^i.i^ejiTbbwtisaTdiimntmf* , of

of the keycs orEccIefiafticall government, thtn the power of governmeni; IS not abfolutely ncccflary to the being of a Church. And if the Presbytery be the onely executioners of the cenfnringdircinline, thfn ^.f the Church may be without a Presbytery, it nay want the difclplinc in refpcd: of execution. For vv hne the Officer is wanting, there the office al(b ii, wanting as touching the execution thereof. If all the Officers X)f di/ciplinc ftiould dye at once, or the Church fhould wane her officers; the faithful! have not power of difciplinc either originally or aftually, either to conveigh it virtual?'/or for ' "***

maUy to her Minilters, whom (hee might cuu(c, or to execute ^ ^ilf^fi- pif'f^o^ it her fclfc. But the faithfull doe remaine a Church, when her I^J^\IX''^ J^' J' ? officers art-'^dtTperfed by perfecution, taken a way by death, thaV°in"the"y\po^ be wanting tnrough her negligence, or fome other way. Iri ftlcj times everycfi your own way and conltitution, the Church may be without \^ yrhcte the Go-DotKPaitour and Teacher, and that for. a long time, tillnt iH*^" receivej; men may be chcfen Unto that office •, in all which time it muft paft" « wd Tea! want the adminiftration-of the Sacraments, and execution of chers,notonIvtraI difclpline. ^' - *•' • ''■ ■ ' ■ .;_;;.,>;" veiling loand fro',

Wc have not learncdi^thiit evtry Chriftian is a King jmHli Jf ^^l^oft and con-Pi ince, to rule with ■ Chrift by open rebuke, if no other doe buTabidin'''& T' rebuke in fcafon, or by debarring them from communion fifting in"L farac' and fcllowlhip of the Church, whom he judgeth or ccnfureth all laboring to cn-tv orthy to be caft out, as men out of covenant. For if all t hat crcafc the number aicmade of Chrift by communion with him Kings ScPricfts ?^t^«Church,6fc. •unto God- flwuld be made Kings and Pricfts unto God in or- [^jy!y!Z"*^'^'

•lfr,Cd'/);J.£;ttCf.

derpoliticalltorule and governc his Church, .hen power to nail* Regiment i$ governe fiiould be given to every lingular per{bn„ not to the no part of Chrifts communitie alone, to women and children no leflc than unto Xinodome, which -men. The life and being of a Church lbndcth in the very ''^^'^P^jf'' ^^' knitting of the faithfull unto hrift: for it is Chrift that gi- ^^ ^°g^" ^ /^^J^ .veth falvationto the body : ^ id if union give it the forme of kth all other gol aChurcn, it muft neceffaril)' be a Church before itpraftice vernmtnt$,for the this difcipline, becaufe it hath no place but in an united.body divinc^force and or Congregation. Thofe three ihoufand foulcs that were |"„7tnYerp?ri^ gained at one profperous ^ Sern)Qn oiPetc^, were the Church tuall fruits and ef^ of God, when they received the V/ord with gladncfle, and frfts of his King-were baptized, before any power of Government was given ^omc unto or eftabliftied among them. The like is of the'Church, i'Aft-MMt^j, ©r Congregation of i'^4ri«. ' TAft.g.f,'?!"«;,

Fowthlyj Of right the ccmmunicated power of govern- si ^. j*»

E c 3 ratnii

(58)

ment bdongeth to every cc mplc^^ Societie^or rather to everf EcdcfiatUcall collcdgc o.' aflcaibiy,(rt apar: by Ghrift for the guidance of F ^3 people; but the . xecucion of tint power may mZdnsJtoptr.re'' bchindrcd thk. ugh *» ignoranci, ncglifcnce, unjuft ufurpa-dmpt.mi^r^cep. tion,ordie jikc The right o£ govcrnmr.ic in Ctuilts namt /e </.yci/)/. £cf/ir/. bclongeth iu«o thciu, b^auH. it flowes horn the ordinanci: Church* idTo! ^^^conftiwtionof Chritt, as i» proper adjunftv;hichcannoe confiftingr'frnauy ^'^ Separated from the fubjcd.Buc the a^icn it fcltc of govern-learned and skUful ment ma/ be ' hindred divers wayes, when the being of the aen, excommuni. Qhurch it not deftroycu. The Paltours and Teachers may be "^^b" A^^^^ "°^ ignoran- ofcheir priviledges, and fo give awiiy that which of «puhcr"4hbSlr rightbclongethuniothcraiorthcyroay be ntgligcniin the «hur hc» talked execution oftheir office, and not iieedtiilly atterd to the Mi^ counfcll of. niftcry committed unco thcmr The greater part n^y prevails

n A dijf^:4<i!i.%. ag^inll the better^ or ibme few may u(iirpe into t ocir owns 9,i.p. »8^.When iiimdjthe power which belongcth unto theSocw^ic, which vre teach tkatthe . . * • j ' >-i i_ • j j j •

PaflourorPaftours t«iHg oncc gamed cannot eaHly bcregamcd or redeemed, lu

of ev«ry particular which cafes the lawiuli a&ion of government i$ hindred,

ChuiJiorcongre, wheny t the Church remaineth the true Church of Chrift^

*u®" > ^** *^« Thus it hath been with the "Church of God in all ages^ ever

LinTmett^cJheJ ^^^c there was a Church upon the face ot thcearth.And from

hare powerjto bind thisfounuinc have fprungthcerrors,abu(c$andcorrup«ons^

3.ia ioofc: we un which have prevailed in t& Church of God. For \i p dilg^rders

dcrftaad ihi* ojk get head, of ncceffitic the aftion of government is (om^way

ren/"nuoibcr^f N^w to your Aflumption. Firft, Every particular *» Sode^^

iinderianding and tieof belcevers in the Church of SngUnd, or lingular Paitour

qualified men,fna)r oJrhii or that Congregation hath not the power of govern-

S ^M^^^ ^ n* Jnt, neither doth it of right or by divine gitt belong unto

ollwfcre/wfli cw. ^^ communitic of the faithftJI, or one finguiar Paltoun Se-

<flf. 5, The Apo- condly, The power of Gov?, -runent as it conlifteth in difccrft.

^cdeaecdthatpy ing betwixt the precious and r u vile, admoniihing the inoi^.

the confent aiul in dinatr, and excommunicating chc obftinatc, is conlidered ci-»

men "he" O^uW ^^"^^ ^" '"^^^P*^ °^ ^^' fubftance, parts and duties thereof, or in

be call uuc of ibe refpcft of the ordering and admioiftration by luch per/bn».

Church,&c. and in fuch a course. This diftinfiuon miii^ begranted or elfe

t^'^^?^'f^j"*' all the Churches which adminifter difcipline amifle in any

flrh^adinpC cJrcumftance at any time, muft be charged to have no difci-

gilantium* ' pUnt at all} and they that commit the adminiftratlon of difci-

a AH^uifMntr,ef^ pline to perfons iu mens opinion notdefigncd by Chrift, not

famJib. J. c. I, w» have the difcipline of Chriit for fubftance: For example,

tney

C3P)

they that Commit thecxecotion or difciplme to die PrcBbyie-ryorClafle, have not eke tiilcipline cf Glirift, iothc judge. Djcnt of the SeparatioTvl>«'»u(e Chrift ( as they fay ) hach fCbryro/f' Mi committed it to the tommunHie or body of tbcSocictic. And Hom.SzJt^o fm?li they that commit the power of f oycrnment to the' people or rcngcancc hargcth communitie foyntly with the Eldcrj, in the judgement of re- over ycur heads, if ibmicdChqrche8,havenot thedifciplineofChnitbccaufehe JjouJ^f^eT''*'" Iwth committed it to the Presbytery. And every aft of go- bcMrtakcro? ibS »ernment may be excepted againft as r nullity,becaufc in fbmc Table, drcumftance or other the order prelcribed by Chi'ft is not * If any Piinct ftOiy obfervcd. Threthenconfidered, theChurch oiSftgUfui ^o«ld Fcbaptixcd itj«3Cwitboue dje • difcipline ofChriit for fobiUnce,wfietiM:r LoXtSJ -fh the wor-l b; ukcn largely or ftriaiy^whtthcr we sdpe& rigfal manifcft^fll-w'of or execution; but the outward mrme and ordering of the dif* «nbf';?r t irre-cipllnejsi ot in all things according to the Word of Ood. penwnce. the Mi. If by divine right the power of government bclongcth, citha ^'^^''^ ^^^'^ »««•-tothefocieiieofChurch-governours, or the communitie of the°trL* Svto fiiefaichfuiI,itbclongethalibcothe Paftours, Teacher*, El- his lifeacth.-Prin-ders, AflemblJes among ns. As for the execution of difcipline ce» feet,then to let largely takenjall men krow the Word is tnicly preachcd,and jj**^ Kmg of Kmga file Sacxaments are dueiy andrightiy'adminiftred: ana in ^^KrdcSlS! what focietie foever God is truely wor(bipped,ofnectfttie the h/, ^^^ {-^^^ ^^ ^JHciplincofChrift i» in fome fort obferved. If we fpefikeof the Princes rndan-<difdpline more ftriftly, all roerr know the Church of Eti^hnJ gcrcd, frr !ache of by doftrine profefleth, by Law hath eftablifhed, and daily o^^^n ^nd tarntfti pra&ifeth for fubftance,the execution of the very difcipline of , ^^u^^^j^ia^^j^' Chrift. The ordering and adminiftrationofl^ecrnfures as it /„tj.part x./joi, isintheGhurchoff»^/.««^,i8faultic and corrupt, and'.ow Ifyou mesne they the godly have laboured, according to their places, the f a»ay^ not laniilcr dreffeof thatevill, is not unknowne to the world in part. :Jp,!^^^,^"'/^,^, Butthe want of due execution- oFdifcipline or difordcred ad- y^-^jj & rtixntance fninittri-ti n thereof, dotl •!>* argue the Church to want dif- which God rcqui-ciplinc, ^ut the due ordering of difcipline, nor to be no reth ot men that Church, but to be dcfeftive and much out of order. fi»^» ^* bpptiicj.,

In the Church of tht h^Pes in the old -Ttftament there was hlsSeTwcg^nl' many times great neglcft of difcipline and abuftthereo^/In ,h^y muft rather fiai7ar'dtheit lives than bsptite Pi inccs\»hichbeleeterot, ordiflniutc the Lords myflcrics . to them that rcp«m not 3*//cw Cbrtft.fubjfurti fi ef-i'^t.^. ^48- '*'j^« Princewill noi ftibmithirarclfe to the rules and precepts of Chnftibm wilfully maintain- hcrcfir Scopen ira. -purity, ihe Biftiops arc without flattery to reprorr ind adnwnifti the Prince of the Hanger that i? mmincm tromGod, and if heperliftjihcy muftceaCc to communicate with hinBindivm* flayer and myftirics. Bilf. Ck./ub.fan .j.ptf^. <J,^4» ? ^»»J<^« »®- ''^'^ * *^' *^' *7» JWw.»«. I7.Im<1« t. 4. 7. •. »«♦ "^^

(4o>

ihcChui'che:*citheNeu.Tciaii\.>?nri as in (orhth; CaUtU^ the Churches to which /.^«w«,/ •'nc^ fude wrote, and Rente, the execution of difcipline could rvctplceplaccjor was much neg-i le6l:cd. DfotrephesuCu':ptd o''cr the 3b""T,h, and corrupted the difciplme, when the Church continuecJ. the true Church of Chrift^andthe faithfull abode ^n that ^c.ip.tie ; Thijs in-ftance D' vy^mes truely alledged, to (hew that the rcproveriof abufts doe not lay the foundation of fchilme c: icpsi^.tioii xC^».He<ej.ofSc* from the Church, which" you doe well to fpt t ^ at, bccaufir fartit. fug' 1^1 • ^ou know no»: how to remove it. For what if you doc not leadc that ''Diotrephes was an unlaw full and A nrichriftian Mi* aifter? you reade that he ufbrped over the faithfull, hindied the due execution of Church-ccn^'ifCSj abuftd excommunica-ik>n,pratedagainft the Brethr.":, .nd praftifed a tai(e ;pYcrn-ment. And If the v/ant of dilciplinu or neglcft of due execu-:Eion, prove a Church to be no Church, the faithfull in tha* iocietie were bound to fcparaf. If the Church had not the power of government at this time, (if we may beleeve you or receive your pofition)they v/ere no churchrif they had power in their hands, and foficred it to be abufedjtheir finnc was the greater. And if you take a view of your dealings in this or o-ther particulars, vilifying what you are not able toconfuec» and wrcfting mens words contrary to their plaine meaning, if your paper blufti not, I can hardly thinkc but your cojifci-encewiUimitc.

Sect* II*

"^Ciiii Kenf. cfSe- " ** **^ Church o/^England hsth not C^rlfis ksjes, [bee is not h», -f»?tit.pag^\\^, 1 faith lM'D' But the Church ^/England hath not Chrljif y 5>«w; fled' m • ^7^^^ f*^^^ ^-^' Brightman ^'»dy others. Therefore fhee u riQt 'his houfe. Mid confequernij to be fefaratedfronts i

Y

Answer.

'Our former reafons out ofM'i^. J paflc over, becauft

they have been anfwcred already, and are here thruft in

tonopurpo(c, butonely to cover the infufficiency of your

reply. His an(Wer was, the want ofdifcipline, though an in-

,iCdn.Ne(ef.ofSe' tegrall part, is no fufficient ground of reparation. This - you

^e:ft.p,i 52,1 J J. offer not tg disprove by any fubftantiall i;cafon, but with ra^

C4t)

ling and reproach to difgrace, wherein whether you more

wound your own con(ricnce,of hurt your adverfaryjbe judge

your Celfe. '■ You fay trueiy ,jti^a (fhri^ian part not to render a C'^nlMttef.of Se-

rebuke for rebuke, a*r'.'.^ thoufand times better were it, tofH(tai)ie p^trtt-pag. 11»:

eve» aJegioH of reproaches, than for a man by turning (though but t i* 9*

0ne) to give cauje offufpition, that evi/l hath got fame part of * ^' ^^

conquefi over him. But if you looke into your own Writings,

you (hall hnde them ftufiTcd with infoknt boafting, (cornfull

taunts and reproacheSjUnbefeeming your place, perfon, and

agoodcaufc I dare fay, all the Nonconformiils that ever

wrote in the cauft of dilcipline,nevcr went in praftifc (b much

againft their Principles, as you in this one particular, goe a-

gainft you. profeflion in the forefaid paflage,and a good con-

fciencc.

The matter in hand betwixt you and MO. is the abfblutc neceffitie of Church-difcipline to the being of a Church; To what end then doe you bring, That the 'Bookjjf common-prayer ftfed in the Affemblies oj England, « an infeBious. Liturgie. Ro-l mijh-fiufeya devifedfervice,raked out of three Romijh Channellss That the MinifterJ of the Church of England is unlavcfuU and Antichri^ian I That the Aiinifiery, worjhip, and government of «f England are corruptions! Doth this make ought to con-firme your pofition, or weaken the anfwcr which was trueiy given > But fbme thing mu(l be laid, whether to or beiides the purpofta it matters not.

Another flratagemc'' you put in praftice in the (ame place, hCan.'Nieef.ifsei not vfcry commendable. You would fccrac to confute the Z>. r''»'<*^/tf^.«j j," «Ut of himfelfe. fVhatfayyou, if it appeare that M' D. arguments, doe lead rather toJeparation,and that hefpeaknh one things andpraUifethanother\ •{vouldnotthUbeafrangefight,efpecial-Ij, to himfelfe ? No^ whether this befo, tve rvill here try byfome reafoni in his orvne rMode andfigf^r e. But though the moodc and figure be his, the realbns be your owne, and not his, and the conclufions unjuftly drawne from thePremifes, as the 1). an-fwered, and we have (hewed before. Perhaps in wa rre (trata-gcms may be of ufej but in the caufe of God fuch cunning devices are dangerous (ymptoms. This I note, to entreat your feriou? reexamination of what you have done: and now I come to the argument here propounded, whereuntolmakc anlwer as you relate it, for I have not the D,Booke to fearch out what he hath written.

Ef The

The power ofilielicyes is twofold, fo'/cUttalli cp* fuJicU" Iis,VLS it isu(ually called. The firft conlifts in the preaching ofthcGofpcll, wherein the kingdome of heaven is opened to thepenitent,finnes remitted, life proniiicd, and heaven (hutto theobftinate: which is the fword and the fcepterof Chrift, .. _. - whereby he faveth his people, and conquereth his enemies, "iCor. I. ii: beatethdowne every ftronghold, peirceth to the divifionof Ifa^i i.''*4^' ^"^«^ ^"^ fpirit, and of the joy nts and marrow, and judgeth

Rom. X. 16. ■ thcvery cogitations and thoughts of the heart. Thefeeffefts c To excommiini- Chrift executeth by his Word, even when it is not affifted by cate IS to remove the* difciMirie fooken cif Now if it be rightly iinderitood, ir''^'^'o1^'n7r* the ChurcW of God cannot be without this key. For the nciratio . of the Church is gatHercd'by the Word, and is a company or fode* Lords Suppcr:leaft tie which hath received the Word in profcflion at ieaft*, and by facrilegiousprc- (j^th poffcfTe it, and amongft whom it dwellethiThe Jiidiciall fuming to violate p^j^^j. of thef <* kcyeJs is the power of goVei^nmcnt^ whitfi coii-lodlTfhouW ^^^^^ fifteth principally in the right ordering ^nd difpenfatiortof dcmnc thcmfelvej, ChuTh cenfiircsi and fo of the manners and neceflities of all and defile others* men: which agreeth not to any one memberj nor to the com-Bilfon^erpet,gov. niunitie of the tohftill*, nor t6 aity one lingular governour, •54'^' . . but to the Ecclefiafticall Senate, yet with due rcfpeft had to

•n is'^Terripinl the t6mmumtieof thef^thfull^ Inthe iirft fenfr, the Church tnall punifhment. of £^i/^»^hiith the poWei* ^f^Hike^cSy "ttdt (b ijiuch a^ is to. & reacheth no fur- be defired;, but Jti ah ieminei^t ifort ; and that with Gods blef-thcr by Gods word f^^pu^Q^ the labour of hisfcrvants, if atty other Church un-offe"ndcrs ihe^'°r- ^^r Heavtn.Ih'the fecondfignSfieatioii^thti poWe# ofthe'kcycs jniffion of their for fubftancciiSih bttrChti'rch, but th^^m^attncT'of Ordering firncsjby wanting and adminiftration of them is coniipt andfault-ie. fcut thh the WorJ andSa- power of the key esis not of abfolute necelTitieto the being of Ihrrc""nt. """ ^^^ Church, but to the well- being onely. Here is a fk place to BHilru^ChriniiK anfwer your Qucftion : Whether to hide from the people the fart 3. fag. %z, knowledge of all the maine truths,which concernc the out^

c cyp.lib, I .epifi.i. ward regiment of Chrifts vifiWe churchjOwkc a faifc Prophet; I haidly pcrfwade ,

fhepeople,yea, T am forced to wrcft it from tbem, before they will fuffcr fuch to be admitted.. BilfDnperpet.gov- c. 9. Great icafon had thofe godly Fathers to fee the whole Church fatisfi-*, cdjbefore they releafcd the ftntcnce of excommunication. Sec. and fo doing they Ihewcd not what right the multitude had to fit Judges with the Biftop, but what care themftlves had to remove from the people all occafiohs of tumbling.

Id.pag^i 1 5. If you take ^communication for removing the uhrulyft^m the civillfocittif af the faithfull , uncill they conformc themfclvcs unto a more Chriftiancourfe of hfe , I am-not altogether averfc, that the whole Church fhould conciirre in th« aflion,&<?. %ttAvguft, . *w/r. far, Ep. 2. A », €0, i. Can, Stay. tf{f, i z.pai^. 113*

J|.

C40

Itwouldbcknowne what you call mainc truths, which concerne the outward regiment of Chrifls vifible Church. The power ofgovcrnmcnc is proper and communicated: Proper, that which ChriH hath referved peculiar to himrelfcjand IS executed according to his infinite wifdome, by the (ecret hand of his divine power, and the effeftuall worke of his holy Spirit, making the word of exhortation and reproofs, com^ fort and inlbuftion, to fomc the favour of life uut,^ lifcj whence followeth efFeftuall anfweringto their calling, rcjoff cing,comforL,and growing up to perfcftion. Not to mention further, how he fuccourcth the godly, beftoweth fome gifts, (though not fuch as accompany Salvation) upon the wic^ -bridlethi curbeth and confoundeth his enemies. His commUj-■icated Government is that which being limited within the compaflc of certainc Lawes and Canons of his holy Word.; he hath committed to be exercifed and executed in and by Societies, according to his appointment. The chiefe and principal! meanes Chrift ufethherc, is the preaching of his Word, whereby he (avcthhis people, and conquereth hfs. enemies. The difcipline is as a Chariot for the Word to ride upon, and to keepe other ordinances from contempt; but it is not the mod ordinary or mighty meanes of Chrifts government or adminiftration of his Kingdome. >J3 • o^

Thefe things being thus. The Minifters of the Golpcll zrh to teach the people the maine grounds and chiefe heads of Chriftian Religion, even all things necedary to falvation in refpeft of faith and manners , othcrvvile they (land guilty of the bloud of (bules. They are to teach ihem alfo what the Lord hath inftituted for the well-ordering of his houle, but in ^ ^om<r tfcny tLe fealbn.orderjand asthey are able to beare it. It is not for men " °^ ^comuni. to fet up the roofe, before tliey have laid the foundation. Ex- ^ew^f.^S ''^*' perience for many yearcs hath taught us.that divers who have pet, cb^gcjl f^A piuch bulled themfelvcs in the doctrine of Church-govern- The Scribes and ment, have been unable to make' ulcof that vvhich they have PJ^arifes Cyou will

fay) did in Chrifts time excommunicate, and thruft out fuch as they thoajhc offenders, out oftheir Synagogues : But the Pharifes never learned that out of Afofe f, A fcparation of the Leaper from thecompal ny of men, and ofunclcanc for comming neere holy places or things, jv/o/er prcfcribeth, but not excommunication, that I rcmembei-,«cc. Aliens were qot admitted to be of the number of ihe Lords people j and any unclcanncfl'e of the flcflididfcparatc foia TeafonjChc ^f»exthcm-felves from approaching nccre to the Congregation or Tabernacle of God : but neither of thefciscxcommunicaiionj&c. So in the ufc of excommunication in the Chriftian CJburch, ^c. and many fuch like.

(H)

teamed from others. If I fhould bring your felfc for inftance, tt^ho have received many good truths from the writings of the Konconformifts, but miferably pervert them to your owne hurtjthe difturbance of Gods Church, fcandall of the Golpel, and the ftrengthr'ng of fuch as are turned afide into dangerous errours; Ifliould not muchmiUc the marke, and you have more caufc to take heed than to be offended. Alfo godly tnen> wh6 follow the truth in love, may be of different minds in thefe things, and for men to hide thai; from the people, whereof they are not perfwadcd that it is the truth of God^ is not the note of a falfc Prophet.

Moreover, Tho/e things which you call maine truths^ con*-ecrniji^.the exter^nall goverrnient of iChrifts vilibleChurch, may juftly be queftioned, whether they be truths at alK If I may conjefture by your writings, the mSine truths you intend are fuch as thefe ; That power of Church-government is abfolutejy neccflary to the being of a Church; That all {tinted or ^et-forn?es of prayer o^Liturgie, are forged ordevifed fvoi-lhip; That there is np lawfull Minifter', who is not cho-fen, called, ot ordained by that partfctilar Congregatidn> ' tvhere he is to adminiftcr; That the Minifter of one congre*

gation may psrformc no minifteriall aft in another; That the '^ power of Government is in the comn.unitie of the faithfulli ihd'from thetit derived unto the^Paftours^Teachers^or Elders, , V Sec. Thefe and the like arc the maine truths in your eftecraej ivhichl conceive have no bottoming in the holy Scripture, And if the Nonconformifts, or fome othefjfhould askeofyou this Queftion, whether to teach fuch points as maine truths neceflary to falvation, rnd tocondemneall Churches who conforme not to your platforme, as falfe and Antichrifiian^ and their worfhip as falfe and idolatrous ; and whether to wreftand abufc Scriptures, and pervert Authors to that pur-pofe, make you not a falfe Prophet, confider advifedly whal ound and fatisfying anfwer you could returne.

Sect; IIL

C*».Nm/./^. T:i-^/^'*^'^^/':^^''^^V'r^-7r;: y^jr>iHjkereframeth>s^r:Z

f^ratp, 15 9,160. -D ^ument -, Jfthe profejfors of the g of pell m Englafld,^4'yf mt

Mnong them a, trne ChHrch-'goverr.ment-btit are H»iler that ^hich

€Amefrcm thegrefit.AmichriB>. then tire thej hund ; 0 fet nf the

firdinaucci

C45)

eirdittAme of God, andfr/iBice it ^rfotuvithfiandlng the MAgiffratc doc forbid the [aidfrA^ice, But the f^ofe^ors of the Gofpell in England, havenotamongthematrue Chftrch-govemiiteytt, but are under, ^c^ Therefore thej are bound to fet u^ the ordinanee ofGodandtofrAUiceityHotmthflAnding the Magiftrate doth for'-hidthefaid pra&ice, Thefe are both their ort;te pofitio»s, andfo foundly frtvedj that no man living id able to confute them^

Answer..

IF your meaning be as the ordinary fignification of the Words import, it is not to the purpofe; for it is one thing incurowneperfbns to practice according to the ordinance of Chnir, another, to (eparate rroni that focietie, which doth not praftice in all things according to the inftitution of our Saviour- Butyougivecaufttothinke, that by thefe word? ( erc^ing this power, and exercifing the fame among them ) you meane, that they are to feparate and draw themftlves in-^:0 fuch'a focietie, where they may exercifc that poi'c.-. For thusyouvintc^'j I doe not meane, that any private perfon jlould CiiJ-Ktcef. ofSe^ meddle veith the affaires of the Realmc, but that every one in his parat. jiag, '55^ *^neperfoH, doe place himfelfe about the throne of God, leaving the abufes of the pHbttaue StMe, to be reformed by fuch as have a Calling thereto. And if this be your minde in that claufe, you greatly wrong the Nonccnformifls^and reformed Churches, in charging them with this pofition. For it is their diieft af-ftrtion to the contrary, that for want of orderly adminiilra-tion ofdifciplinc, Chriftians are not to feparate from the tru'i and found Churches of Jefus Chrif^. Your phrafe likewifc of placing themfelvcs about the throne of God, is in no fort approved of them,or of the truth It fclfe:As if none were placed about the throne of God, or God did not gracioufly vouchsafe his prefencc unto, or reigne over any afllcmbly, wherein dilcipline is not rightly and orderly in all points admini-ftred.

But here it mufl be noted, that the power of government muft be confidered, either in refpeft of the fubftancc of it, or the orderly manner of adminiftration, as was faid before. And a thing or office is called Antichriftian in tworefp^fts. Jirft, as whatfoever is not of Chrift is Antichriftianjin which icnfcj they of the Separation call all ftimcd Liturgies Anti-. ~ F.{ 3 tfhrifUan..

cbriftian. Secondly, as that which is derived from the authoi rititfand headfliip of the great Antichrift of B-ome^ and dc-pendethupoii hira as his ownc inftitution, is Antichriftian. And to apply thcle things to ihe purpofc^if we take the word Antichrijliart, in the firft ugnificationa the true Church of God may be under Antichriftian government, in refpeft of the manner of di(pen(ation of the ccnfiires, that is, the difpenfi'. tion of the cenfures may be committed to (uch ptilbns as arc not inftitiited, approved, and fet apart of Chrlft for that pur-pofe, and in fuch manner. As if it be committed to an ufijr-ped power over the Brethren, or to fome few of many, or tp luch as be ignorant, prophane, ov the like. [

It is true, the light hath no fellowflbip with darknefle , nop truth with falftiood: but In this life light in men is ipixed with darknefle, and the beft Chriftians infefted with erroui^ of Antichriftianifme. In many of the Martyrs ofJcfus Chrlft, both before & fince the revelation of Antichrift, their knowledge was mingled with more darknefle , and their Chriftja"" .. nitie with more antichriftianifme, if you will (b call it, than I°e /«» a ^' • ^^" ^^ found in our Church and Miniftery. It is true, the sHieron.inTit.i. faithful! muft labour every one in his place to bring in the Amb.iniTim.^, ordinances of God, and reforme abules; but if they cannot Bilf.perpet. c. ii. prevaile, they muft not cut themselves off from the body, and Crattan* 'Decret. excommunicate the focietie. Forif the Church may want,' 'f^6^ \\Coicitru' y^^» negleft the ufc of the Sacraments for a time, and yet con-rW.tjIr.Hic.Al' *^1""^ ^he true § Church of God, then it may want the orderly basy Pamr.in de- ule of difcipline in refped of the officers, by whom, and ihe cret.Grtgor.^.de manner how it ftiould be duelycxerciftd. For the politicall eenfuitud. cap, 4. gliding of a Church by the ccnfuring difcipline, is not to be cenmuni re^ebant compared to the want 8^ negleft of the Seales. If the Church ecclefiay^'ordina- fliall thinke good to keepe ir a member, which fome private bant sacerdotes* man judgeth Worthy to be excommunicated, muft he cutoff Cjfpr. epifi. <?. or himfelfe, or caft cue the offender contrary to the order. If the !,* i^^'^ Tepifi°9 ^^^^^ of government be exercised by the whole body of the (^oncii.Cartbag.i. Societie, which I conceive to belong onely to the CoIIedge €a, ii.Tbo. 1, lA Ecclefiafticall, muft I needsfeparate from them as no Church ^M.7i. art. ^. ad ofChrift >

tertium. Affirmative precepts binde perpctually^but not to all times 1

Bonav.tn \ Urn. ,.<- f. ^ . ^ j- /r 1 i! ^ «.• , 1

dift* 48. art. 2. to diipolition and readnieilealwayes, but to practice, onely,

qu. 1. in refoLScot. when tin^e, place, and opportunitie occurreth. For example,

f» J fent. d'lfi, 9, a man is ever obliged to thinke the truth, if lie know it, but

iH.HtJican.^. got

C+7)

hcteitlier ro profefle or fpcake the truth at all times. Ofaffir-niacive duties, fbnie are abfoJutcIy ncccflary in men of age nnddifcretion, without which there can be no falvation, as beliefc in Chrift, and repentance from dead works. Others are neceflary when God giveth »'opportunitie, andcallctha h Nci:! . doe I Mian forth thereunto; asprofcflion of the faith, by joyning ^^°^ what war-ourfelves to the Church of Gcd, and partaking of the Sacra- JJ"'n"y o^'^^jn^y nicms. Others oblige in a time free, which doe not oblige in S"vorlJ!nfu1; atimcnotfree, as w lien urgent neccflitie, the circiiniftanceof a cafe , fo to draw

pofed by divine law upon the Governours of the Church, or ha^iard their'out-^as you fay) upon the whole Societie. But it lyeth not upon ward ftate & quiet this or that particular member to doe it, or feparate, when o- '^ ^^<^ Common-thcrs be remifle, and either be not perfwaded of, or doe neg- i"'^^^'^ ^^^^^ '^^y Tea their diitie, and will not be drawne unto it. They be not UruTmJS^^ ©f the lowed ranke who thinkc it may and t)ught to be for- they may publikc-bornCj when it cannot be ufed without open and unavoidable h with the grace fchifme. When a doftrinall errour of leffc importance and ^P^ the favour of fmallevillconrequenccprevaileth in a Church, bypubliquc joy ^hT^T' ^''" authoritie, it is not the dutie of a private Teacher publiqucly meansof "heir S^ 10 ftrive againft it,to nianifeft & apparent fchifmes, but rather vation. f'vresronal

™... ...^ .^quirc it Who doth not calmely and peaceably tBc^acomr. Eraf,

moderate that which he thinkethj but is readie incontinent to de Exccm. contentions, diflcntions, and fcandals, although he have not Fdldcfthe chb, an hercticall renfe,moft certainly he hath an hercticall minde. p*«/* '^"P- '7. And though the' Government of tiie Church derendeth uc- * *^''f/""- ''*"' onthcordmanceot Ood, yet it is not for every particular fcri/r.-pcfi medium and private man to fet up that order in focietieSjprofcffing the in BihHoih. patr. faith publiquely and eftabliflied by Law, againft the mind and ">'"-4-paT.i.edit.^^ pleftfiirc-of the Ghriftian Magiftrate. And this the Noncon- teler^eft^d^T^' tormiits doe both teach a^d prafticc,and therefore they have t^d ruWike^hurl humbly fued for reformation, but never cither praftifcd or chesandMnifter' approved your feparation That which you cite out of the inthe f.icc of the Harmony of confeffions, as ifthe reformed Churches did al- ^l^g iftr ate, w he-low or teach what you praaice^ I will fct downe, and kave it no, or in 7ef fte of akcm. Bat fuch in refpeft of the eye of the Magiftratf, were a$ priyatc as might be, Vmeafii-' -

to

k Caiik', cenfeti. to every man ^o judge of your fidtlitie. The Church ^ Gd/llcdft m, z6. None but r^j^h thu8; Credimtu igitnr nemini licere.fefe catibusfubducere, freedome^and pro! ^ i^f^iffo acaniefcere, fedptius ommbus Jlmnl ttiendam & con-teftio to thefe fpi- feyvandam ejje £ccleft£ unitdtein, fefe communi infiitutioni c^jtu rituall fundions go Chrifti fubijciendo, ubkunq', Deus veram illam difciplinam and aftioruc Bit- Scclefiafticam conH'tfiuerit, etUmfi LMagzfiracUftm ediiia recU" fon.Chrifiianpart ^^^^^^ a quo ordine quicHrjaue fcipfos fe\ungunty ordiHAtioni Dei

1 Belgic. ccnfejf. Heb,\c. 25. And the ' 5f/^/<:/^thus ; Credimrs cfUedcHmfO' ^u'u^f' i^"'^?"' ^^y ^*^Crf?«^ &congrsgatio,fit eorHmqulfervAridtbent,& [dm the helpc of Prm- nAlU fit extra earn: neminem ( cumfcmcii, dicrnitms ^ut nomink CCS , thoMeh the .-''.. ^z- , r r i ?• '' J r r ^^^ ^^

faith and Canonj ^ff^^rit) fefcabeafttbducereautfegregandeberey mfuatAntUm

ofChrifts Church confuetnJlinecontentusfolus, acfeparatimvivat. Sea contra om-^^ may bee privately ties acfingulos teneri hnic c&tm fc adju»gere, C^ Ecclejia Ufth/tm profelTed and ob- tem follicitecoKfervare/e^'^illmstf^m doarl»atumdifapUtiaffiB'' be n "^ jicere, ccllam demq-^ Chrifli jugofponte fubmitterey & tanquant

they not be ecne- ^ommunia ejnfdem corporu membya adlficationi fratrnm infer* rally planted j or vire, profit Bens unicHiq^fua dona fuerit Urgitus. Porrottthac fetlcd in any king- rt^liffs ohferventur, omniuK) fide Hum partes ffmt 3 fefi juxM 'Dei dome,nor urged by i;erbHm ab eis omnibu: dlsjtingere, qui fmt extra ecclefiam cart" «ternSl^puni(h- fi'^*^^'^'' hnlcq-^ fide Hum catm ac congregatkni-, fefe adJHrtgere; mcnts on fuch as ftbicunq', ill Am DeHsconfiitnerit: etft id contrariaprincipHtn vel refufe, but by their CMagiflratmtm ediEla, prrhibeanty indiEla etiam in eos capitis ^ cofentsthat beare mortis corporea poena, qui id fecerint, ^uicnnq'^ igitur^verA »7?^°J*' *^^'^ Ecclefia recedunty autfefe illi aggregarerecufant, apertt Dei

uPZt^/^'. '^"^""■'pxi'"^'- Thus the CoBclufion,^, ^ . '

If you wifi have - ■: ,:<^ i-:,->'('

the afliftance of the Magiftrates fword to fettle the truth andprohibitcj crrour,and by wholc-fome punifbmcnts to prevent the diforder erf all degrees , that authoritielicthonely inthe Prince,

.>

Chap?

Cip

\

S .n a rl L

L I trtte vifible pjttrchcs gathered andplanUd accord (tHt. Ktuf. tf St* ding tc Gods Word, conftfied in their cottfiithtiort of firttt fagi I71»

Sahitsonely, Bfit ftie pjurchescf Enghnd after Po-

fery were notfo conjiituted. For thegreatefi nHtrwer ofthemrvere frophane people, evenmotkcri andcontemners of Religion, as A-i theifis,Iaolaierj, Sorcerers yElafphenicrs, and all forts of mifcre* , 4tnts and wicked livers. Therefo ^ f he Chf4rckes of En^hnd are not true vlfibte ^hftrches. There is me-uer a part of this argttment. they can deny, nnleffe they will let fall their owne principles. For the Affhrnption Imakeno^f^tjVon, bntit Mil pafpf without ex Cfjjtion, and none of them ivilihav^ the face to oppojeit, rgnjide* ring how generally the thing hath teene alarmed, andfhiV is ujxf^ ^lioccajtons both in word andVcrlting. No^v that thepropoftiom may appeare as true atfo , / will prove the fame \firfl, by Scrip'-tures ; fecondljj by rcafon • thirdly, by the teftirmnics of thg learned,

A N s yy ^' r!

IF both parts of this Argument be Nonconformlfts principles a why doe you labour to prove tht? propofition trie, more than the aflumption ? If it had been a confdled principle, why doe you not fight againft i.iem with their own wcaJ-pons, as you pretend to doe throughout your Booke. He is very dull, that doth not fmell fomewhat herein. But if it (b please you. The propofition is the Nonconformifts, and it is not. For if this be the meaning thereof. That all true Churches thould confift of vifible Saints, notoncly in their firlt gathering, planting, and conftitution, butal(b in their after continuance and propagations, the Nonconformifts doc acknowledge it; for when finne and wickednefle fpriiigeth or groweth in the Church, the ordinance of God is violated. But if this be the meaning •, That the focietie which confifteth not of Saints onely, is not the true Church of Jcfiis Chrift, that the Nonconformifts utterly deny. Alfo it is one thing to

mn:eriin* Pre fat I lib. z. in Epifi. dd GaJat. Rurftds fa-cilifatu O" fuper-h'u arguuntun IcL adpTinc Marteu.^. Epitaph. 'Difficile tji in ^laledicd ci-vitate, vondlitfua fniftri rumoris fU" bulam ccnriherc. Id, in Fnefat. in lib. 7)ydimini.SP. Sa. Cum^ahylcv.e verfarer^ ^ pur-furatg meritricu

(50)

fay.. The « Church isnotiJantcdand gathered in all things ^ccordkig to Gods Word; another to (s,y it is no Church at alljwhich is not planted and gathered in all things agreeable to the Word of God, If then i:\^ meaning of the propofition be this; That a Iltrue Churches planted and gathered accor-dmg to Gods Word, confifted of Saints onelyjbceaufe the ordinance of Godisviolateda and his hou(e polluted, ^^^^||a. toriousoiScndersarc received or tolerated; thJNo^isoter-mifts will acknowledge n; : But if you underftand'vk'th^; That it is no true Church atalljwhich confifteth not or^i^ihts onely, bec^qfe itjsnot^ftph^rcd,plan.^edj conllituted, r«for-med in ^1 thijig^ agree.iblf to the. Word, of Q'od> ti]ey^ never received it. ^^youcoij^ notdifcerne this M\ their wrltijogs, you yNtrt very blinde anidparnall, If you did difcerne it and yet would palfe it over, tllsityou rniglit with fprne colour traduce tlicinasgojn^ contrary to tfegir owrteprii>cipl^3 orbc-fruile qth^ers witt an ^qravocauon^whefe was y o\ir fincerity. > rjrhehJonconfomiiils.willnQt deny, but foBie ihiiigs in the gathcringandplantii^g, or rather the refining ^nd gpvenj-pientofthe Church of-^^^/(W was and i^ dQ;ie.arnilJe, not agreeable tp the Woi4 of i^qd, whkh they |iegrtily; define and labour might beieformed; but for things d'^neamiw, they dare not condemne the Church, deny the grace of Goci, ftparate from her ccmnjuiyo^ ,o|f approve them that doe it. It may be queftioned alfo. Whether you dare not put a tricke upon youfrf^deriji the phrafc^ gathered and.p^ c^U^cJi jtn IponiiTOBf c,m%bt coplift qf fuch asiarc; Apt Saiijt^j wii 'itith^p6i ^atn^red pf f^jjiji p;tejy \ at -the to,, \% h'■ no Gliur;chu irthi^il^ yjLju; clow intend mcn'r|^ the propo(jtlon is f»rxpjfrorp,UtitIiitb«m^c'of the Nonconformifts, and the matter in tar.d r for in thq reformation a hcw Chyrch was not planted, b^t a corriipt,Church re fined or purified. And thus I might pajc over that which followeth in your next Seftion, beca^9(e every man may eafily perceive ,it rcichcth hot to the point in hand, but tha*. you fhodd not complaine as if your rcafons were neglefted, I will follow you therci'D.

ptrat.pag^i?^*

ff

S £v„.c.'r*

IL

IFwf takS.aflrlB: vievfofa^lltle fhurches vt>hich the Lordhdth cenfikHudfinff the be^innin^ of fheyporld,ii"^ill(tffeare^that

M the ^rMrlj^dtktrittg Artdftdmirtg, tki Mtmhin ifthem ■weve all holy and good. There intend of vifxble and cxternall holine^dj andfofarn as mehmAj )udg&^ and hot of that which i4 rcithU, and kid from us. For ^ doubt not.. Out in (yods fight the fureji Con,, gregation on earth, might conjifl^ at firth of good and t?ad, and yei;' of men, .every ferfon- fo 'h judged tr^ly faitkfuH andjh)5lified; ufttillanjofieby hU ^tii^mtic ( oufwardly cofffmiUed ) appeared etherwife, Not to fpeakyf the Church of the Angels, pehich Gbd Dr. S'eild of the

created in heaven, and rPere all good afidholy, tiUfofneby tranf Church, o.5,4.&t»

^effion fell away. Neither of it in ^aroMfi, chnfifting of two fer ^ ^^^'g'" ^'

fonsy and both trUf beleevers. ^^ft«r the fall the confiitution of v^ri .' y

thgfiffl ChArchJntheco've}i/.mcfgrate,^a/ofgoodmatur3iaHd "* ' * ^■ fuchWas the Lords care to have thcpuntie pf it Jtill p-efh^ved, that hethrufi out C^in froWf the fame, for the great wickMnc^c

which he fell into, TheLordgave not Circumctfion to Abrahini, Ocn, it. i. & 17.'

from Worldly corruptions, or elfe they are uncapabU to have 4 Rcrcl. 18. 4. Churchcevenant in (^hrili, confirmed unto them of Cod, 9^s for zCor, f. ^he viftble (^hurches planted by the Apoflles, it is evident, that ik their colleRion, they con ftJted of fitch and none other, aswerecal'* led by the Gofpell, confe^ed their fm?tes, beleeved, walked in the fiirit, and feparated themfe Ives from thefalfefidte., in which they fioodmembers before. Such a beginning had the (Congregations in Rome, Corinth, Gahtia, Ephefus, Philippi^CoIoflejThena-lonica j &c. 9yind "^ho dares ajfrme, that there ^aj one man m ^oman admitted a member at the cdnjlitution of any of theft chterm chex, which had been kno^n to be an ill fiver ^ aif^ did not fir ft mA^ tfifffifoHfid repentance thereof.

Answer*

T 7V;7^^" y^" fpeake ofvifibleChurches, and viiible and V ▼ extcrn?Il fioIinefl2, fofarre as men can judge, it Is to fmall purpofc to mention the Church of Angels in heaven. For the Church whereof you intreat,is a focietie of men^holy in profeflTion, and outward conformitic, but not evermore in truth, whereas the focietie of Angels (if it be Comprehended iitider the Church) is invifible and perfeftly holy. I (pcakc of themas'they weic by creation, and of a3 many as ftoodip ' < J g 2 thejr

C 5 ' )

fthck tntcgi^in'j who onely axe to be undeiilood hy tlia*

It is to as iitue piirpofc, to fpeakc of the t ^iiurch in Ir'ara* dife intheftatc of innoccncy: For the Church underftood in thisprcCentbufineflejConfiftd of men coniidcred in theeftate, which they now have promifed by God oeiag made man: op man fallen by finnc and reilorcd by Chrift, who tooke them by the nana anu lifted them iip.Thatia properly the Church, which was gathered after man fallen^and is reftored in Chrift, whichasitis vifibleconfiftethofgood and bad, as you fay. But the Church in the ftate of innocency, confined of fuch onely as were created of Goo, perfcftly holy, as befitted fuch creatures, uiitiji by tranfgreflion they fell from their integri* tie, TThe ftate oi the Church wnich we muft enquire into, is ^hat which God hath gathered, planted^ conftituted, prefer-ved, continued arsd propagated fince the fall of man*

After the Fall, God entred into Covenant with our firft Parents, Adamiiud£ve, wh» received the promifcj and were partakers of the good things pfomifed. Their iced alfo was withm the Covenant, untill they did discommon themlclves. andfoC4i« and ^^tf/as members ofthevifible Church offc* red Sacrifice : In phrafc of Scripture therefore Cain was « Saint in profeflion, but whether he had given teftimon of • ibund and true hoiincfie, fo farrc as man could judge, is more sIoh« ?'• !*• than can be proved. The Scripture faith plainly, Hev^asof lude 11 verTc. , ^^^^^ wicked one,, a»d therefore fl^ his brother. And if no man foddcniy become de(perately wickedj is is probable C<<«; had given BO great iignes of pietie in former time&i- Afterwards many and great corruptions came into the Church, when <tScn.tf. »^ the fonnss of Cjod tooke unto tham wives of the daughters of men^

See ltwer.in Gen. yphom they W^oyJd. and it is ftrange to imagine all the members exercitat. 50. of the viubleChurch iqthoTe times to b^yifible Saints in con-^ ' formitie,fo farrc as man can judge. The Church of God con-Gen. 5. 14? »^* tinuedin the fiamily oiUo^h, wherof Chain remained:a mcn> ber, after the fentence denounced againft Canaan : In this Church therefore all vifible members, were notvilibleSaintSj «^:n, io. ¥^»j *€♦ fo farre as man caji judge. The world aftej' theDeluge was re-pleniftifid by the fonnes o{J>foah, and the Church of God was contoed in their families J perhaps in the familyof Chamt and Cam4» hisy onngcft fonne^ i*t ieaft for a time. For it is m Gen. 14;. 38, |>iob4b]e diaf*^<f/t^K^i^<^, King of Sato, wasibmeKiog

C?3)

o£ Canaan In f^ock divers fromthe Hebrcwes, ofche pofteihic^ o{ Cofiaan, who planted in thofe parts, whom God did pxe-(erve in the mic^il of an ungodly people. AiK' the promile of God made to the poftei icic of Shew, and Co of Abraham, did not exclude all other "families from communion of pietic and o ^um a.inbt. i>: godlinefle. Atthat ime we may well thinke there were fome G^n- -4-18. ^tfA. others jnthc.Landof^<«w-2^«,whodid knowandworfliip the V) ^nhc.^K.-r.rr, true God. For not to mention Aner,EJkel, 3 id M.^f^rc, con- '/lf['ar^!^; n','^l federates with Abraham, at that time a ftrangei' in the Laini, /or, qui Semu cum-with whom they would not have entred covenant, it is pro- Meldtiftdeco un bablc,ifth)ty hadbeene groffe Idolaters, without all know- t^ndum (j'proba-ledge of the trm ae!igton; t^imeleckKmg of Gerar ( not ;o ^'^f^-'J!'.f-' ^^* excufchis feult; carried himfelfe in the whole bufirffle ofW- gitalum,%drnm Graham, as a man not altogether dellitute of the true feare of tequo animo fere-God. bantf homlnem a-

That the true Religion was maintained in the family of ^'^"'g^''^'" <iutori ^^w,i&actnowIcdged by all forts, but in that family it was fn^Tfiilre p!X^ greatly corrupted: for the Scripture tcfiir.eth, that Terah the tu. Bhs' jnGw i'liXhtr o{ Abraham) and the father of Kachor^ Sind 9, ^Ibraham exetcit.jijt, himfelfe before his calling fcrved other Gods. fo/h^2^.2. Gen. 10. i5. The Church of God did Ipread in the family of Abraham, ^^''- '^- ^^ ^'Vl* to whom God gave CircumciConj as the feale of the rightcr , .^',' * °' ^'^* ' ^' oufneflc of faith : but the members thereof, were as well they yipparet auter.i in that were bought with his money, as they that were borne in ^cfpoTj/kneAbme-his houfe^ For (b we rcade that God commanded, and Abra- ^^<^biy}ionfuijfeho-hamtookelfwaelhis fonne, and all that were borne in his Z'^l"'['^^^"'"^'i houfe, and all that were bought with his money, that iSj eve.- deftitutum.^^Kaih ry man-childe among the men oi Abrahams houlciand he cir- 'Deum lonuintem cuiiicifed the foreskin oi *heir flcfli. Not oncly Abraham and ^Unofdt, (^c, Ri~ hisfecde,, but all that lawfully appertained unto him, and ""^^^ inGen.exer^ were in his power, did partake of the feale of the covenant, Sce K^'ls'zi i j as fuch as formerly had been,or now were received into cove- 2 Sam ii. 11, nant. And by analogie we may gather>tbat notonely the Pfal. 7j. i j. children of belceving parents, but of Infidels, if they come J^°'"' 4« »i-lawfully into the power and hand of Chriftians to be trained ^/"'^ ^' 'i'^* ^^' and brought up by 'them in the Chriftian faith, ought to be cbivjierlpatfirat* admitted unto Baptifme. Now in what (en(e,7/iw4^/and fome tcm. ^.libli,{ap,iu-others in Abrahams family might be efteemed holy, let others judge. €fan was a member of Ifaacs family, which was the vifible Church of God in tbofe times, after that he bad fold Gcn.t^. 5., 3a, 3 g fold bis bi-^th-ngh^foi; amefle of pottage, and a:^any oth-^r ^^^' '••'^•

G g 3 wayes

(H)

Gen. 57. »• Sept.

iitftt, dztulit eo: crimine malo.

Lev. 10, 14.

Sept,

Eick. itf. ^.•.

./ayes haddifcovcrd himftlfc fo towalke, as a man could Gen.j ^l^.& 49. hardly judge him to be trucly holy. The family of facoi was " ' ' ^ ' *' ^'^ received into covenant, according to the pleafurc and difpen-fation of God, and all his (cnneswcre members of thevifibic Church, when foule offences vcre amongft them unrepented of. Not to mention the fa£ts oiRttheyi, Simeon,^^nd L^vi, and Jftdah,lt is noted of the fonnes ofZilpth siud Bilhah,xhzt they runne hito flander, whereof we cannot thinke they repented fuddenly. ^<>/>/?/j his Brethren conceived fuch hatred againft him, that they firft confpired to kill him, but changing their minds therein, they fold him unto the IJhmadites, The whole body oilfraelvjAS a peculiar people, of whom every one was by the word of God fcparatcd into the covenant of mercy i and if the whole Nation was the people of God , every particular perfon in that Nation did (land under the fame relation. But what the itate and condition of that people was when they were admitted into Church-covenant, wee may learnt from the holy Scripture.

JVhen Ifajfed hy thee Ifawthee polluted in thine oyvne bloud^ dnd I [aid unto thee when than waft in thy hloud. Thou Jhalt live • even when thou waft in thj hloud Jfaidunto thee,Thou Jhalt live, Jiow when Ipajfed by thee, and looked upon fhee, behold, thy tim$ yeas as the time of love, and Ifprettdmy skirts over thee, and covt" red thy filthinejfe: yea, If\\>are unto thee, and entred into coi>i^ nant with thee , faith the Lord ^od, and thou became ft mine* When God brought Ifrael out of iEgypt by the hand o(Ma» fes his fervantjhe feparated them to himfelfe, from among all the people of the earth, for an inheritance: and every Angular perfon in that huge multitude was a vifible member of that Church, and all of them by profcflfion Saints or holy, the 6ockofGod. But oftentimes they finned and rebelled againft Pfal.1067. i3,i4, i-he Lord, being a ftubborne and ftiffe-necked people, uncir-Ni;m!'M.* 1%. cumcifed in heart, unbeleeving, forgetfull of Gods workeSj Aft. 7.39, 40,41, defpifing his covenant, idolatrous, which had neither eyes to 4». fee, nor eares to hearc, nor an heart to underfhnd. And what

Amos 5. If, i6. probabilitie is there, that this whole people was truely holy in the judgement of charitie, or fo farre as man can judge, or that they ceafed to be the Church of God, when they had groflely corrupted their wayes "i If the true Church be gatlie* red of Saints onely (externally and Co farre as man can judge) and ofthcni alone framed, as of the fubie^maitci : wHich is

onely

Aft. 7. 38-

iExod.jx. ^,9«»». I>eut.4.3.?i£9.7,8.

JoIh.5.7,8>9' Deitt. i^' 4.

ODcIy true, whikH irccntinuetli Cv.ch, and falfe uhcn it degenerates from this difpofition, and fo as rotter and putiificd iluffcto becaftoiitofthcChorchrletitbcccnfidercd how the Congregation in the WiideincfT. could be ihetiue Church of y^^ ^ , Godj which fo oft, grievcL(J>, and in many paiticular Hnned againftiheLord. Itisinoictiue,iheChuichandevejy nicni- ^xoi ber thereofentred into Covenant, either cxpitfly or impli * * ^' '*'

citely to take God for their God, and to keepe the words of the Covenant, and doc them rtofceke the Lord with all their hearts,and tovvalkebefore him in truth and uprightnefle. But yl^V'y^^laitii of them that entred into Covenant, that they 3>ut. x^',.^ had not eyes to fce_, nor eares to hcare, nor an heart to under-ftipid, and with many of them God was di/pleafed, becaufe they obeyed not his voyce. Tee ft find this day dlUfjou ( f^ith Dem. \^,io,\\^ tj^lofes) hefore the LcrdycHr God, your Captaines ofTrihs, n* * ' ^ yMr Elders, AtfdycHr Oncers, irith all the 9»en cflfracll : your iittk ones, J pur wives, and thyftravgcr that is i»i thy C^mp^frcm $ht htrr.' cf thy rvced, to the dr^ner of thy Vr^ter, That thou fjculdsi enttr into the Covenant yvith the Lord thy god, c^c. Eutheteftifictbagainftthemalfo,/^<«r/%Wfcrri^^W//?;<'»^- j^ plvcsy that their (pot rvas not the Jpoi of his children-, that they ,/<"^'^*' ^» ''^^ Tvere a fro'ward andp(rv(rfe generation, afoolijhfeefle, anduK" ^if ^'ho forfooke Cod thai made them, and regarded not the firoHg gad of their fahatien. ^o/Z^w^? circumcifcd all the people loHi,?. f,5, 7. ivhicb were borne in the Wildernefle ( for all that time that Sacrament was neglefled } and his fad is approved. But we $:99dt.nGt of any inquiry that was made of all that great mill-^iftlde, what worke of grace God had wrought in every mans ibule, and it is very improbable, that there was not one, who (did not give good hope of found and true cleaving unto the JU)rd with all his heart. When God had caft c ut the Heathen pfaJ. 73. 55, 5^, before them, and caufed them to fall to th; lot of his inhcri- 57. «tancfc, and made the Tribes oflfraelto dwell in their Taber-n?cles3 they tempted and provoked the mofl high God, and kept not his teflimonics, but turned backe and dealt fallly like 4heir Fathers. they turnea like a deceitfull Bow.

7yr4<?/then was a chofen people, an holy nation, ihepecu- "Dmt. 14. aj. 8r Jiar people of God) histreafure of delight or choice Jewells; »*?» 10,« Jj la. a people in Covenant; the children of the Prophets, and of ^^- 5- *• ^ 9'4 »he Covenant; and yet a ftifFeneckedpeopIe,ccrrupters,fet on DcJt^,*^* 5 I |nifchiefe,foolifli and unwift.Th; Lord proteftcth th<it Jfraei jfa. i^^J*^'^^

Cs<i^

did rcbell againft him. that they did not undcrftand but were a moftfinfull Nation, ycaasSodomc and Gomorrah, yet he Et.ck, i6, 47 48, calleth them his people and caildrcn, yea pafungSodomciii 49. 51„ * iniquirie, and yet the daughter of his people, and the daugh«

Lam. 4, 6* it. tei* of Zion, his pleafant plant, and a noble Vine. Ifa. J. !^ », 3. u "\Ve reade oftentimes that Ifraei after fome grievous faJi and Io?i4«i'i4 IK- revolt, renewed their covenant to walke with God, andfcrvc %^liA,i\. * him onely, and to obey hisvoyce, as inthedayts of fojhua, ludg.i.S.ii.&J. *}udges, Samuel, 'David,9Aft, 'J-aaJh, foftah, Nehemiah, &c. 9«i^. B1.6.J, & gut herein particular fcnitinie was notiBadttWtVtworkc of ao. iq, r.^ 17. grace God Ld wrought in the hearts oi particular perlbns, 1 Chronaili.&c* but the confclTion of finne,and profelfion of obedience was z Chron! - j. i«. renewed. And if we Icoke into the ftate of things in all agC3 »Reg. ti, »7. of that Church, and particularly under thefe religious and xChromsy. 4^. godly Princes j by whole authoritie the Covenant was re-t Chfo *^i 4 ?i. "cwed, it wiU cafily appcare, many did but flatter with their J^cu. X o„ y, JO ♦* !ips,neithcr was their heart ftedfaft in the covenant. The Prophets every where cry out agaioft the great iniquirie of the princes, Prierts, and people, their idolatry, injuftice, opprcl^, fionjCORtemptof theWord, impcnitency, ftubbornncfle, (b that it is fuperfluous diligencCj to referre to the (everall pa0ar gcs which mention thefe things. Match. 3. U ^' When fohfj the Baptill began to preach the Goffel? md gather a new people for Chrift, he admitted none to Baptise but upon confeflion of their finnes, which was both a rcnbiin-cine of them, and a promifing of amendment of life. But wc finde not that he repulfcd any that voluntarily fiibmltted themfclveSj nor tooke time for try all, whether they made confeflTion in truth of heart, or no. It nppearcth many waycs, A&.». j8. & t. thatwhen the Apoitles planted Churches, the people whom 3J* &»?»17, xSj they received did cntei intoCovenant with God i But it is di-'/^' Hgently to be obftrved, whom they did receive upon confeffi-

onoffinnesandprofeflionof faithj and whom theyfuffercd after they were received. Simon Afagw beleeved and was baptized, who not long after offered money that he might ob-Aft. 8.1 J. taine the gifts of the holy'Ghoft. in Corinth gaUtia zv\do»

& 1*5? x^o. I i^.&c. ^^^^ Churches, many were admitted into the focietic, who in Gal. 3. 1. fhort time turned afide both in praftice and opinion,as to de-

Thil. X. 11. ny the refurreftion, and joyn the ceremonies of the Law with

Iiuic -ivcrfe. Chrift In the point of juftification, and many ether abufts: Rev ». 14! 10 ^&c w'^^^^ ^^ ^ S^c*^ prcfumption, -hey gave no furc teftimony of * ' ' ' ' any

(57)

anj found workc of grace in •■heir foulcj, whcn^rftcBt^rtai-nea into fcilowftip. And tlio;igh the Aj^^dtlcs required 3. con^ fcflion of faith, and profelfion'^f obedience of them that joy-ned in Chriftian fociede, ytt they tollerated great abtifes in private peiTonsj which they could not redreflc. For without quef^ion they condenned th:; having of many wives at once ^. in all men, but when that cuftome at leaft fecrct and indire^, y-* '"* J* i* #'*• prevailed ^naong the fnres and Gentiles both in thoO times, ,n i* fW. ,.**.*'" they give no *' Commandement that each beleever having two fTyan. itiitc. '^M wives, (hould b^ cart out of :hc locietic, but onely that he vet.cafbot.mbod: (houldnotbecMofen into the placp of a Bifliop o: Deacon, ?*^) '^•^"/'^ • Great and manifold abufes crept into the Churches, even f'fifi^T^Zm whileft thf Apoftlcs iived,and (hortly after they were plantca, f o.^r in etifi. «i and Ibmc of thofc were reprehended onrIy,caIling the Chur- ^<^ ho»*> ». Hie^ ches to reformation and amendment j the grofle, obf^inate, ^^-^^fpi/f-1 ^ and moft abhominable tranfgreflbrSj either they gave up to cJtbJi''gL,^'']?*''' Satan, or gave commandement io the Churches that they rir. Cajet.er^ gg, fiiould raft them out: but evermore, with fuch mildnefle and ^e-»etdef,»faff, moderation, as it is moft •evident, tney forbore to plucke up P*^- »• cap. 8 .7>iv, the tares, Icaft they ftiould plucke up the good corne alfo. ^-iC*.^- ''5* It is alfb manifeft, they threaten ibmc Churches with Gods J <^"''' *^* diipleafiire^as that he would remove hiiCandIeftick,caft them Rev.». y. U intothcbedoftickncflc, fpew them out of his mouthy unlefle & 3. iC the^ repencbut they dilchurch them not,becaufe of the difor-ders committed by fbme,toIerated by othcrs,nor yet did they command or counfell the godly in tho(c focieties to (eparate from the ordinances of Relieion^but to keep themfclves pure. TheHiftory oftheGofpel inthe New Teftament contai-neth but a (hort time,r»^.irom the time whcrin '^ohrt the Bap-tift began to preach, to the end of the afts and writings of the Apoftles, which is not full foui(core ye^resrfb that we cannot '

(hew the repetition of the Covenant from tinre totimcj or what patience was (heued in tolerating abufes, or when men were adjudged obftinaie, or what repentance and profcflion was required in generall abufes or revolts; but by that which is faid, we may difcernc who in phrafe of Scripture are called Saints, and holy, faithfull, and called, and chofen; even, all and every member of the common-wealth oiJfr'ael, and Chriftian Churchef, untill they were cut off, or cafl oiitj though they lived not according to their profeflion, but w*re fUffe-necked, fcandabus, proi?h?ne.

Hh - The

(58)

Theprafticeoftlic'Chnrch flcrordin^ to the cxartiple^f q Condi Ldodicen. the ApolHcs in ° receiving Heathens arid' them that were Wrtft-14.4^. Hilar, ad out into foci'^tie was this. Firft, They were taught in the (onfianr.lib.t. im- p^nciples of Religion, and t^en the doftiine ofChrift being ?cwe LrS»"n but received, profelTion made, with promife to renounce the

that is wil- world, the flcfh, and the Devill, they were baptized. 7«(^^w j;I cannof give fometime an Heathen Philofopher, but after a famous Mar-but to him tyrofChrirt, in his fecond Apologie forChriftian^," repor-cntrcateth : j^ j^^^ -^^ Heathen man defired to be received into the

hu9

ling; care, that

luthi^' t^lfaT P fcliowfiiip of the ChurchVhe was firft' catechifed iri the pria-fefleth. Rdban. de ciples of Religion^ & then hearing further the word oi0(i^ infiitAltrk. Ub.}» ^s it were, thc'Gortditibns of the Cbvenant ofgracip •, aft^r-«<V.»f- »7. wards came into the face of the Congregation, snd 'cbrifeffed

^«)f(W8 hiart]/r. ^ ^^^^ ^^ did bcleeve, and promifed that he would 'cflbey' the facial. Azathtnf* word of God ; whereupon he was baptized, and received ipto w.2^itfi*i^tfor» the fellowfhip of the Church. And that this order hi ight be ptrfdiajniimnter t|^c better obferved,' the Church appoiritcd certain tinfie^;, i^hd ad-uomitumredir, j^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^ lopgei- jWc, at oAer tames,^ ai.d- ?rf d^hS mJe^l'^e viluc' places a Lrter time, for catechifing6fHe^therti before^ ifh^ tint,octomeJes.itt' were baptized. Socrates wnttth that when the Burgonian^

*-« ..^^«L..«./<u/ii> J.ri^.J t.^\^^Xn\*X.-,*-f>A \r\tr\ tVic mininnr r»r f^nriftiori'»><4W*-vl!a

ttotdntf fide vojc

%ll " ' r»//*/t»witnefleth^ that there ^Ver^twe times in-the yb^

Socrat. lib, 7. hifi. ftef and Whitrontide,efpeciatIy apj:>o1^ited h^ ^t GhiMfbi" tap. 30. Buptifme-, andtll/angersfrotlVth^ C<i)tenaHt #fer6'Sh|H5^d

Hiercn. ad Fam- ^^^p.i^^^^r^^o^imyiorY,-^^^^^

TertJe Bapti/m. thef^ t^svo tlm^S. . n « \i r-i/ ' . . i'

Tert. depr^efcnpt. The profeffion at firft -requH'cdof ail t>hat Were i'eceivcd t<?

sa 14.67' inapJo^. Baptifme, i*'asthatth^y bekevedlu vl^' Fathiri Soiiiie; anfd

ca,^7.R.uff.infym' holy Ghoft. The Creed^e is honoured of the Ancient^ wi;th

tf'u o elorious titles, as the ru^eof faUH^itbe-^mriifeoffiith;'the

u)ufilLt^- body of faith-, tht^perrwafion of fafth. iBot by tl^^^Creede,

-xtf «tf©(.fo<ri»T. they underftand the Ruleof truth, *nd law of foith, and ipfti-

BafUont.Eunom. tution of Chrift, which was theft given, whenhe was ^bout to

/.g.OurBaptifme af^end into heaven, and commanded his Difciplefe, faying^

IS according to the (^^^.^rJ-teachaU Nafpans, Bnftifm'g thehi iMU m fiJht^ of the

j2XZ tlS name Pother, ^ome, ^Uheiy'^on.1ieguhi^0lp^.Sii^^^

ef the Father, the C'lpmta. Iren.lih. t\caf,^^:^'Nr-iffamBdptijhfi-ti'adiHonem ha*

Sonce,nnd the ho- liemfis confejjionem ; T^afil, defpin'faniU'Caf^t o^ Regula ^HUem

\

C5P)

filffi, UH4 omnino efl,fdla mnfohilis, & irrefermAhilli \ credeiidl Socr4t,Hift.hb.u fc, in /f»kf4m Dsum cmmpote^tem, mh»M conditores, &fiiiunt e- ^'^■^ ^ * ^''^^P^'iib.^, jifffefifi9f,c^c, Tertul. de'viland,virgin. The expofitions of /jjl'.ijj^. '^ "^* the Greedc,which are found in '^be ancient Fathers, Marttal:, ' ■ ' ' Jgnat'ms, fnfii^e, fyeneii^, TertHlUan^ Origf^t,dered:.fid,dia/og, prlnc. Novatian, lih.ds T'^in, 3. and others of that age, goe not beyond the Tiinitie, within which bounds the Nicene Creedc is terminated, as it is (et downe in Hiitory. AHhs and Eu^o-nius conclude their confeflionof fiith thus; Stent Domintis Soerat.Hiit.Ub.i, noflercttmDifciffths fttos adpfadictv-'dum mitterety &c. This ''^P'T- <Sr ''^. i. faith \^c received from the Gofpel, the Lord himfelfe faying ^P'*9* to hisplfcipUSi^^oe teach li/l Nations, ere. Erafmus (heweth Erafnu, ad cenfw how tbe;Creed was cncreafcd by the addition of divers Arti- facult Theotog,' clcs, againftthehcrciiesthatdidari(e, and though for Tub- i'arifien.tit.iif (iance it was the very fame every where, yet in fome places, it received more enlargement then in others. The wcfterne GhurcheSp herein applyed themielvcs to the capacities of the tincaiKi: fo&t, more than the Eafterne did, ufifig in their Bap-tifrae,;that (hdrter iorme cf confellion commonly called thf Apoilles CreedjWhich in more ancient times, was briefer alio than now it is; as wc may ealily perceive by comparing the (ymboll recited hy ^^Urcellus Aiiciranus (in the profeflion Apud,'Epij>h4n.in of the Caith, which he delivered to Pope JuUtts ) with the ex- btref. 72. portions oftheApoftlcs Creed 5 written by the Latine Do-ftors. Wherein the mention of the Fathers being maker of heaven and earth, the Sonnes death and defcending into hell, and the communion of Saints is wholly omitted. The Creedc which the Eafterne Churches ufed in Baptiline, was larger than this, being either the fame, or very little different from v ri, f^^a j that which we commonly call the Nicene Creedc, bccaufe the socra't. iibi\ea!<, greateft part of it was repeated and co!ifirmed in •ihe firft gene- et 8. Theadou (itu rail councell held at Nice, where the firft draught thereof was ^- ^^^ i »•. prefented to the Synod, by SufebiHs Bifliop of Cefarea, with this Preamble, As weTiave received from the Bilhops that were before us, both at our firft catechifing, and when wc received Baptifme, and as we have learned from the holy Scriptures^ and as we have both beleeved and taught, when we entred into the Miniftery.^ and in our Billiopricke it felfe. So beleeving atthisprefentalfo; we declare this our faith unto you. Tb this the Nicene Fathers added a more cleare explication of tlie deitie of the Sonne fagainft the Arrian HeiieficjW herewith

H h 2 the

' he Church was troubled) prof.'lug him to be begotten not wade, and ro be of *- nc (ubfta'ice with the Fathci.Thc ftcond general! CcuncellWi-kh was ?flftmb!fd fifty-fix yeares after atGonn:antinoplcj ^^ proving lehlj wOnf^'fTion of the faith, as nioit ancierit, and agreeable to Baptifme, enlarged it fomc-what in tl c Article that co^cer"!ed \''x Holy Ghoft efpecrallyj which-t that time was moft oppu; .^i by the Macedonian Heretiques. And whereas the Niccne confeffic p: ociedcd no further than to the beliefe, which^e have in the Holy Trini-tie> the Fathers of the Conftaritinoplemade it up, by adding that which was commonly profcfledjtouching the catholique Ghurchs and the pri^'iledges belonging tlierennto. epiphantHS repeating this Greede at large, affirmcth it to have been delivered unto the Church by the ApoftleSo C^Jpanus avouchetli as much, where he urgeth this again*! Neflorms, as the Creed anciently received in the Church of Antioch, from whence he came. The Pwomanc Church ^ftcr the dayes of Charles the Great, added theArticleoftheprocelfionof the Ho7y Ghoft from theSor.ne, unto this Sy mboll. In the» SymboII which poficlici'^tem cog- Cyprian expoundeth t h^rc, is added. The reftirreftion of this nitiddr.emprxup' flefh ; becaufe of the Originifts, who profefl^d wcftould rife rpftfw, i/f. .. againe, not with thefe, but with other bodies. For things to be beleevedsthis was the acknowledgement which the Church required of them that were to be received into the Congrega'-tion of Chrifts flocke. And for the prafticall part, or things ^ r.x«<f*iT«»,er.^, ^^ ^ jjjgg required of them an ^ abrcnunciation of the

u Soerat. hifi. lib, i,cap,j6JauGr. (dp. 2o. Tbeader, lib. I. cap. 14. f*lom.hifi.iib,i. gap. 6.

SQ\om. bifi.lib. l. tap. 7' •■Soxom.li.uc.f.

Epipbt.'nty^-.f'f' f \^i^, edit.gr. €-%.». iz;ncarv. -erb. lib, f. * Se- BcHi^m.li.^* dt verbeTyti.c.t i. Qjttdamli loctri-naChriflia/ie tarn fdeiyquim m»: Utn, funt fmplicittr c-vmibiu neccjfitria adfalutem^ qmlit tfi votitla arttcu hrum, SymholiA

t Clem-.if.eonfiit* lib.i.ca. 3 a.s-f«7^o-

E>evill,the world, and the flefh, with all theii finfull workes and lufts, which being folemnly done, they were then bap-tifed into this faitho

The meanes whereby-men werebrought to the knowledgie of Chrift were divers. Some were wonneb ' the preaching of the Word, others, by private teaching, conierence, admoni*-tion, the Gonftancy of die Saints in lufferirig, and-the fame and report of the great things which the Lord was pleafed to worke by his people, as JRahaif^ was converted by the fame of

^tt^nyuue cZ'^ the great things which the Lord had wrought for 7/?-W/.

^ ,t «ie4 «r«»' xyltt' ThustheCountrey of the " Iberians was converted by « captive woman, whoaftcrihee lud '.aftru!tfd the King ?.ndtne Queene, they both became Teachers of the Gofpell to the people^ TherUates is reported to be called to the Chriftian Religion, by a "^ wonderful! and^diyinevif'ons- wbkh appeared

kt TIC m.fj(jjiif,)tt if i*» KnfffyfM'n -xftr-

fed about his houCe, and I ^ 5iis Edift he cr>mmiaatd all ais Subjeas, that they fnould ad^ia lhcin'''ave8 lo the faith ot J^^«A*-*»/f./»*.*• Chrift. ThePerfimsueiebro'ight to'Jicfaithby the confe- '^yEuft'oMtiJibfi. fence which ihcy bad with the OfwcJans, and Armenians, ca.xo. Gr. .lur. Crimen when yet he »*as not allowed for a Mitiiftcr by the Sec li/bi::^^r «i. Church, did by the hlCii)^ cf G^d, tiirnc many t- the faith, y^//*>'^'- '^»" who gave tcftimony ^Lcreunto, by the loflc of ^hfrir lives. z,"[ loo'i^tfV He preached Afo publikcly by theconfent of the Church- pier',' f^'trf^.ii Governours, nhen he was not made Minifter, which" ^/ex" pag. 17^, i -•'. <fw</r/Bifliop ct Hierufalem, andr/7^c^»7jf»/,Bi(hop ofCefa- -fa/^.-infw. ',;hc re», deff;.iclagainft^<»^rW«jj by the like examples of £?/r- ** f'^^'p'v ^/w, PsniirtMs, and Theedorni, and as th'7 addc it is likely the the'church!^* * Gme was done in othei' places. ' Hence we r^?y perceive, Stt€\"n,.htfi,l,^, ivhom the Church both in the /iift clanting^and reforming of ^ap.\o^ rheodorj.% Religion, judged to be Saints, who vere to be received into J^- ^' ^^^'"'^f-bifi. (bcietie; wherein we are further to note, If ought were done ['^'q'^' ' ^•"^•*** , amifle, in this or that particular circumftancejit did not nulli- z cnmien. 2ritan» fie the r.'orke, or reformation. pa^.^v.edir.Lond'

Now to apply this to the (late of the Brittillj Churches, An.i6oj.FKCod^ both in their firft plantation, contjnuan'-e after, and that re- *"*• ^^ ^°^'"- -^"^ formation which wa-j made by King £dward firft, and after rS'eTdepr'^E^i •» by Queen Elizabeth, and Co is continued. Some' learned men 'Bnucfl. 1 ^ildan. are of opinion, tha> the Druides did inftruft the Britaines. in ^Origen. in Eiei. the knowledge and worfhip of one God: but it is more pVo- ^''^' ^ Hieron.td bable, they lay drowned in the dayes of ignorance, :s other dat'^v^eff'^-^^' Nations, in the moftmiferable and fearful! idolatry, of (ei- tap\ g/^L.^^oJ"' wing and worlhipping many and ftrange gods. But when the Theodor.ltb.^^ift^i. light of the Gofpel began to (hine unto the world of the Gen- "" »»"&*/"« t«». Ea-tiles5itpleafedGod of his free and boundleflc mercy and com- /JJ^-^'^^Alw.*,!. paflion to looke upon this * Hand, and to fend unto us the pit 10 ^Z^c/'^f wordofreconcU-nionj which was received & brought forth /><7f//4o.74i.vi?i fruit, grew and encreafed, untiJl at length it filled the Land. Fjfer deprim.Ecc/' "Which of the Apoftles firft preached the Gofpell amongus, Sritatuca.i^iy^, is uncertaine, but that from the fpringing forth of the light, ^ ^^.' ^^^"f^^J- '*d the faith of Chrift was rcce'vcd, is a thing generally acknoiv- F^^an/." 4/'/f 7* Icdged. Ofthtyearc when King Z;<««j received thefaiihof £K/rfci»;;/?./.4.c.7.' Ghrj% and was baptized, where is great diverfitie among Hi- Lat.^.Gr. Ruffiiu ftorians: but mthe thing it (elic they all ^ agree in the times ^'^cLhifi.l.^.capX QiHadrim and Antomnus, Emperours, theGhriftianfaith re- fj'fl'/ori^j^,^^^

i(tk'i}f>ii4*t!sf in Lui.cap.i.hom.4,T€Ttul.{ib.adverf.lud<e: ca.y.Gildas fcripteraatiquijfir/juu 7i}gii D(i:jUiirij V^ejdtpnmu^fi.p. ^04,^ cdpj-pag.i^}, 144, t;<^,

H h ^ ceived

ctivcd migtiry eucr^ift, 51s in the left of the World ; To in Bric« .^ijf. *;i* tdine^andanvong^fonjejlreiwain^d int;ifp andundcfilcd, vaa^

tUlthep^ff^fiUpnof'^iioc/ty/^iw; ^yhich perfectitionburnfed furioufly for the (pace of<cn yeares in miiny Provinces> but in Britaine, it continued onely one ywre. For Conjiamins Chlo* c Eiifel. di "At* rffs, being deeUred.a^i^^^i?^, ^ Teftt>rcdpeace to Chiiftiaii^ confianJ^'iiMi* in,the Pro^inceofhis Dominions*ytvV., Spaine, France, addf ^Efb' iS ftl?"? Brjcainei Afoer the death Q^'Co^fi^tmsl '! fonfiamM his Soik^ c.^gGr.lSffii'-^9 bome in England,and pteXent witli hisrf ather at Yorkewhenr SoxomJixi ci ^. i he dyed, was made Emperoiir; in whofetinle and reigric pcr^ ' "^ fecution ceafcd, peace was generally, glycn %o .che Cjiurefai

e 'Enfeh. hi^.iil^ e "Xenijiles bnilt> whicb.beforehad been made fiquall-witbrfia 10. ca. z, (^libiV, ground>;and^li€profe(non of GhrKtiarifaith reitdreiilnda;* ?t ^'•'', ^oncit. Cottfiamj^e two greatCouncells wcrecalled. Thcfurftat^Ab* Gdtl. 'edit.-Pari/, les in-France, ^«. 314. to take knowledge (if the can(eof thS An. 1619. Donatifts, where w^re prefent out of our Britaine ^i>orif4j^

., ,,,- . BilbopofYorke, Refiittftus, Biihop of Londoni t^^e/pimt

Eufii'^,'devtti Co- Bifhop ofColchefter^and Armivi^s'Diacoms, Presbyter.The fidntdib. J .ca* 18. ^g^^^^d was the Nicene Councell in Bythinia, ^w.3 2,5 .agaiiift ^''hb.K.capX'i,' ft^^*«-fJ where the Britaines alfo were aflembled.And thougH Theodor. l.uca.io. in the Councell of Ariminum> in Italy undtr {ofjfiamtfJi where Biftiops out of Britaine were aflcmbled withorfifefs^ it was concluded for Arms, yet Britaine was. preferycd (afe from the Arian infeftion, 'both in the reignes of Confi^nt'msi jithanaf.g/^colat. and//^/i^?«the Apoftata. P^/^^^W a Britaine by,birth^ t^oo-tom. i.pag.io^.c- bled the Churches with his peftilent Dodlrine^ denying 'th€ dit. comlit. gc^ce of God, attributing power and libertie tiO' malwfto live

Tbeoder. hifi-M- without fmne, and keepe the Cbrnmandenicnts, .if he would. * ^* • ThisHerelie aro(eibouttheyeare405.or40i6. andthe Au-

Vrudevt. ««/<*s^f- thor thereof drew his firlt breath in Britaine, buthefowed ♦*» Tr'im^ ij, not this hereticall doftrine in Britaine. And though itmuft fpcaking of Cypru be confeffedj That the(e Churches were not altogether free an£z\ihJJaUosf9- from that, infeftion, yet at iirft it was oppofed,iand after4t ZX^^lfd^tml was bani[hed„by..theble(rmg of God. About the yeare 420. ris^Qhriflum ferit flourifhed Fafiidiuj, of whom GenmcUus in his catalogue df ultimis Hiberii, Ecclcfiafticall Writers, (d]x}\^Faflid'mJ Wi^op of the Britainesi Vffer.de prim. Ec vvrotcto Fatalis onebookeofChriftianlife, and another of ^'^f^'^'fan,c/i.i6. j^ggping Widdow-hood^in found doftiin©, and according to ^* the truth of God. And fahn Trithcmitis y Fafluiius'Bi^op of

the BrjtaineSj was a man learned in the holy Scriptures, and an excellent Preacher of the word of God, famous in life

and

bfiidinv«i'^doii, in ipeec

fivoucJitdewdpfc^'jSfc. ^

P

^hd€6mek(aiA<yih inipeech^dwitlilbtablfe' ilfc' wrote fbrrr Profperxontran^pU pisy and^ Gemanus Amjib'dorenp; tht'B^ilt^ftits\J'cre ddi\^e- '^^^''"^-^«^'J*5»,

red from the contagion which had feeguh 'i(i infeft the Chiir- „ K.Lunt^^. 1/

chcs. After this the face of things wfti'tfiiftr^Wein that King- *«/i ad'mare,repel-

<iome, by leafo^bf theinyafion ofthe'sfeaihartAis enemyj thfe ■^'t^^firead'hatha--

tecriblefarfiine; the direfdJl donta^^n' (^ thfe 'J^eUghn^d "^f-'f^'f^ 9<tf^iruo

<5^w;.'herellesjaWdthelbofcHc(f^ytTe^lit*eA(^/d^mcri^^^ i2'M'vJ"j^'^

■ • J. ji. • ' evil i?T f! r-. »T-ff ^i.'.nt -' Pv.M^iflufautmr'

contetitionsj and oHicr viceS'of Hie-CIef)^. The Chnfilap ^^ur.Bed^hi^.ec.

Religiow thus'corrupted/ Was'reftbrea againe By thei^"(foTid r^./y^ap.ii. iff-

coraniine oiG^rmartntis:' hiii

by the <:omfrhiw^ in' bFVhi"

fcfexti^gliifh'thetrutHbpGfedi . . . .^ .^..„,.._ ^^. ,^„_ inartms

griw, though (bmetiriies riidre'ptiref-^-iom^itW^'mofeedR Land was" ihft-i^ed

rujpt, apd fometimcs with greater, foifirtimc^^vrrh'lpflcfr^- ^ith-XriamTmc'^^:

Soiii-^ito^iitiy' ftorin^ Qf it'frd^

fiom; Chri^i5«nTtie ^.^ ^„3 .„ .^ „ , ^ a*^ t u'tft-i.ir

Chrlftr*rts:theyiv^rt w'ho'iwhal^ted'fhis Land;ha'ptJ^edifit^A ^^^rt^c'i'^1^

hifoldBipe?lliWoh?-*M^de? intb hiknifeld ei^rb'rj;, MiAft^J >tist!^iint6thftniy riM'S'anJI fHperftitlbhs removed, they betonie fouhd a'hd'thie "'^^ Bntjrncs', Tent Chriftranfiindedlv Th^trti^'^Ghti^fch-lAy hiditit^bbht/^'sA f ^''"^"''{^Jl^f;^-

hotoo\

fbrfubftii ^ , ... . V ^.

coyne. Wh^ tlwff]iv^(!atlbAofShii«:si>^$^l^iWH^*™^ JcmverrrfHs vcjWi gE9, theLaline Service, and fAl^hteb Le^endjl-the^^^^

honl>inaiions,'Weri£ tdkfcn aA^ay -"aitd ih 'the Vbbrhfe iffecbfl ^c.^v^ftrTr^c -"* thctrBiB ^^ofTbip'bf one tvaeVObdiri tft'^ i^-^kt^in 'oT jfe * dF,?ft>^r, trcji^o eijrift,'ariaithe right ad jiiktiftt^tieh'bftlheSicratffthVi^ l?^-*iifrfll'^-^'^*' tbercadmg ottheholy Seriptnres'irt « Endwne tortgiie eita* ^earetKnt'rficChfi. of Kowf forathcufin^ycares rfttt r--«»^'»J'-'^"^--^'^-^'^'-'- -i»'-'' ^--'^J— v..lmr^ Joifl** tk^r beliefs (h jioiiuiB futfd(itnefit4UJ

cf Rome was fi:o;n thciice forth tfefp^iiutcly pur Ghyrcjh^vct v^qjnay ^]A'^ rav^Jhjar our chip>ili ^as'fromtha; tjfne untill Luther^ both vvicbin the Romiric'Chrrch and wi*firoat*iti'•'*' ■

bliftcdj '^'««

♦ J«. i. 1^: bliflicd ; wh*r. the omnipotcncy oi the Pope is abandoned; » ReVci. 18.4; with all corrupt (iipcrftitions, "hich did undermine the foun-i Rtjfnold, ^TAt.e- dation it fclfc i and in ftead tli 1 cof the intirc faith of the Lord fifi. ad fT'^tnm. jg(-y- in all points ncccflary t falvation^taughi, profeflid, ^^i/^^"'^l^. and received, then is the Church leSned and fcparated from liquinio -nAtitihe^ that drofle. To bring Infidells from the Aa:e ot infidclitic to reJfK tccUjUixirt the faith, itisneccffary that inft^uft*^ongoc tjfore, either by csgitur, reading,cxhortation,prfaching, or repor-. of Chriftian faith,

adFhie!tf^'o^' for faith :ommeth by hearing. But wheis men, rofeflcChri-ti/^. hceUfi^ -ff] ftianitie, abufesmay be reformed by the Edict of the Magi-quc duiuandoob- grate,withoutfuch particular inftruftion going before, as in jmatuTy ^tan- the former cafe isrequifite Many times "berefiedepartectl quamobnubilatur, from the Chvrch, or Heretkkci ^oc out frDin ;:hcClmrdii Z/oiiw '"' "" a"^ fomctimcs the Church is compelled to goe out from he 1 Bera,ipJ/f.iM refiCjthehercfieftillremaining, ^^m^^'^^ofhermjfeoplc.fAth iDuditiutntetfiPa. the L»rd: the godly then departing from Babylon, according pam nonjit Ecc/e- to Gods commandsJtient, k gathering themftlves into Gbri-l^iZat^Ze^ ftianfocieties, the religious Magiftrate^ byhis Edift Qr IW tUjMm. ^ ' clamaeon going before thcm,arc the true churches of Chrift; mStthrSetldof The' Papacy was not the church, but the church lay hid in the Church, /ifc.j. the Papacy, untill the time of feparation, which being made '•«*«^o'^5^^'^" according to Gods commandcment, by ^he authorise of the SSe"r^ Lords Vicegerent, thcchurch, whi.*^-yafl^forc ^ obfcured,' clef a / ntmpe b^c doth now fliine forth. Thus our Divines doe (bundly and tunc grit ipfius c9- trucly aniwcr to the P^pifts demanding, where our Church ditiOy qut olim in ^^g before Luther, That it was where now it is,but unrefined, 'ilUdllSntt unftamped 5 that it lay ' hid among them for the time, as fome huf in fpeluca fde- fit ftones for the building, under a great heap of rubbifti; and iihui "Dei Frophc' that we have not erefted a new Church , but repaired and rc-iis : et qua/is turn ftored a ruinous» decayed and corrupt Church. If any of our rrar, qmmever/h n^gn deny the Churches wherein our Fathers lived to be the fi\ZtefaJ$^ Churches of God, their meaning is limited /n refpeft of the uOycaptivainBa^ prevailing faQ:ion that was in the church, andincluding them •//owe ttnereruT, and all the wicked impieties by any of them defended; in Strvahat tamen ^^hich fence, their negative is to be underftood. Thtfe things fw7^%o temPcre' ftandingthus, might not the chriftian MagUh-ate takeaway fipudftmtn/Mit' the IdoU of the Made, injoyne the reading of the Scriptures Tubatfalvminpa- in a knowne tongue; appoint tha»: prayer (hould be made to patu Baptifmus^n God onely in the mediation of Jefiis Chrlft, and take order tflS^wowcf ^'c ^^*^ ^^^ Sacrament of the Supper might be adriiiniftred in ^\ciaon.^i^li bothkindes, according to the inftitation ? Might he not "^ ' 9J1-. •command

■command allpeopIcthrougLDUtliis Dominions profefling nNahuchttdneti»r

the faith, to learne the grounds uf Religionj to call upon the ^^^ ^ ^j^ *, '^^^^.

Name of the Lord, toheareuisWoid and to vvorOiip him phemrthroldll-

truly and purely, according as the Lord himlelfe hath ap- sbaMnc^SccTyM

pointed ? And when, 'he people could not, or were carelefle i- ip. 2>jr/M5,that

and negligent, night he not provide meanes for their inftru- "^" ^'^^'"^ & f«^e

aion and edification in the faith of the Lord JefusJ This the ^llTel^a^l^f

Chriftiaa Maglftrates did amongrt us by authority from God. ^oJJma madi. a col

They provided that the Scriptures fliould be read in a known vetar - « ah the

language in all Congregations, Minillers injoyned to catc- People, that ci.ey

chitein the grounds of ChrUHan Religion, the Gofoell was ^^^fi^ ^"' ^""^^

jprcr,ched ir. many places, dlfputation was prctcrcd to the /<?/;*ii.yT^^°d'*

learned for fatisfaftion. If thefe things be adviledly confide- ftrojed Idolntric*

red, we (hall hearc no more from the Brethren of the Scpara- & commandeH the

tionj that our Church was gathered without the Word, by People tofcrvc and

mecre Proclamation, not called but made jp a Church in one p^J ^^^ ^°'^^* *

day, at the commandement of the evill Magiftrate: atleaftjuo i^, g 1| fo*f(J^

man that hath truly tafted of the Word of life, will be moved Jeho/aphat * fcnt

with fuch like cavilIsjUnlclTe it be to condcmne their raflinefle Ponces to teach in

and unthankfulnefle Co much the more. It might here be ad- S^ t^'"". °^ ^'

ded; that before reformation many did earncftly defire it; itnfsTchroT

(bme lay hid all the daycs of Quecne Mary, who never '-ame 7, 8,9! c;' i o/.^)

to the Made, but trained up their children and fervants at Heie^iab femto

home in the grounds of Chriftian Religion; others fled into ^j^^/''acl Sciudab,

forraine parts : fome met together in orivate in their owne [^^^ ^"^y, ^""'i^ j-i *^ I I J •.• J J '^^'"C to the houfc

Countryes,as they had opportunitie ; and many groaned un- of tlie Lord ipar

der that bondage in which they were heldjall which did glad- j o, i. 6. Alfo he ly welcome the truth, when it fhined forth, and rcjoyced took away the high when they might joyn in the Congregation, underftand their P'^<^<^*** /{eg.18,4. prayers, heare the Scriptures, and be inftruftcd in thcprinci- 'f/'^Al'rakedownc pies of faith and holineffe. And if I (hould fay, that at the firft '^/ll^'^f^^ ^^'^* reformation, there were more godly, learned, painfull Prea- f^c peopfc \o\l wor(hipofGod,tC6row.j4.j,4,^7 i9>30J?*»J^f'o/owid,Kc^(/,Dr)!>«a«/dwas forced atthe commande^nent of their Rulers to forfakc iheir ancient Idols, and receive Baptifmc. Munficr Co/mo^rapb.fol.Sfi^.^oi. and divers sood Princes maintained long and (liarpe warres, of pur-pofe tocompell the Saxons and Vandals to the faith,r^cw lib. 5./0/.719.74 J* It is a (trange & new kind of preaching (for Bilbops)to drive men tobeleeye with whippingJ,as Bonner didj but in?rinccs,who bearc thcfword,anJ are Gods Lievetenants,not oncly to procure peace between men, but alfo b> Lawes tomaintaine Religion towards God, we neither did, nor doe difpraifc moderate correSion, when need fo requireth,^r/^a/?. Epi/l.iiy.ldem contra Eref-ton. lib. I.tap. ^o.ldem contra lit, Petilian. lib. i.cap, 86.8 j. Codex, Ub. i*tit. %.de Hare. ticSocratJib. z.ct. »4.Gr«/(if. »i.,i». Eufeb.de vith Qonfi. Hb.i. cap.iJtTbfUdtretM.i^ iap»%o^ Multa^nim cigitferre necejjitas qu4tamen nonprobantur.

chers^ that endeavoured to bring forward the people iathfe Dvayes of godlinefle, by an hundred to one, than ever iwereiof your Separation fince the Gofpdl (hincd unto the worldyl conceive you (hall not be able to fihde an Hyperbole in the (peech.

And now fuppoft in this great and admirable worke, fiich 9 ccurf'* to be held^as cannot be juftified in all things, Ihall this m^ke a nullitie of that which is profperoufly effe&ed by the - J blefling of God? It ignorant Minifters (hould not have bccnc 7}u^ti^..,Va}.en' ^et ove^ the people, when better could not be had; if people tinUn the el.ier fiiould not have been admitted to the Lords Supper^ before was a good man, |>ettcr inftmftion in the grounds of Chriftian Religion ("when & worthy the Em- y^^ the Law doth pi^fuppofe them in (bme fort inftiufted 5) ?e*lfof^hc">Jicene If pfophane 2nd notorious wicked peribns, which (hould isxth.rhtoL lib.^ have been caft outjimlefle they had re]:)ented.were received inh ca. 5. Soiom.Ubfi^ to communion, without any due courfc held before t6 reform cap. 6. and yet he ^nj amend them, this argueth " imperfeftlon in theireform*-rhal^^^irJ^'^f'ihe ^°"' ^^^ ^"^ cawfethat wo (h^uM ttrlvcforward to pcrfoft comtaTySit*h,nei! what was happily begun, but provcth not the afiemblies to be thci- thought he it Antichriftian, or th*? reformation to be of no> worth and va-good to changeEc- liditic. . ; . .

clefiafticallaws in- Lookc through all theRefdrniations mentioned in Saip-%^ZVbu^zo ^"re, or recorded in other Afrtiquities, and fee iflthisrtfor-SHrar'u /.T.-mi mation'be a nullity ^whether ever there wasa reibunied church made a liaw, that in the world for any continuance. ' : ■ r

every man that

would might h^e QkVijII w

twowives,&him .> f-,»#r,-/T' it>f.iJw tUrr-t .,''1-r-..^./

lelfegave the hrlt ■' .- . _., .„, ^ >-», i. /

■ example in taking "T* He matcriallTcmfk was a t^'pe cfthe vtfible Chttrohesmnder

xwo.SonAt.ii^.Gr, \^ the Qcjpcll • Now We read, that it Was built frtm the very €a.io.lat.ca,i6 j-Qpindmon frof^/y fiones, cf Cedars, Algttm, Firre, mdthe like ma^p%*<i6 ^^^^^^^ ayidfprdaH trees'; a^td thofe all pr.'paredafirehamiy beiv^d I Regf 6. 17,* 18." andferfe^for the i>uildin(T,fo that nek hr. kimm:r, nor axe^nor a Chron, x. 8, ^^ any toole rvas to hs^ heard in thehotifednphe hnilding of it ^m cvm-

mon or vile thlnq yeas vtfed toTvards it y neither^ m^ht any polluted

perfonentcr it and cjftr, untlll he had repented and embraced the \ Chron. a J. x o, faith, and becne cleanfe<^f' om ht^flthlneff^^ :'By tbe.gatej^ifthe ■ Levit.2z. ip. houfe wereFortersfet to ks^fetheur.rvoithj-OM.t.. Vpon-^he Alt^r

-& 17. II, ^y^g m<jht be rpred nd'tiTidekne beAp, no nor that which n^s

cleftre, dazing a 'bU mlpj u^-m it, JVhat in all this ^as ftgmfied ?

Onelj tLi4 ; Such as will build a (piritftall hcftfe for fhf Lord to

dwell iff i nttifi be an hlj people: for he is cfthat tMfmke puritle] th4t he ■mU not vouchfafe hi sfpeciMl pre fence unto prophane cow patties, ^hkhjojHe themfclves together ; atui therefore let it be far from Ml men to prepare a place for him, nithfuch trajh, or to djr-file his holy things rvithfuch unclear perfons , or to offend his no-(Iritts with the,pi»ke offtfch facrifces.

A

N S VV B R.

IF this rcafon be ought worth, not only fuch as would build a fpiiituall houft to the Lord for his M-jcftie to dwell in, but fuch as would prefcrve ic being built, rauft be an holy people^ holy in truth, and no: onely in the judgement of cha-ritie: for he is an holy God, who will not ot worfhipped of the hypocrite or prophane, will not take the wicked diflem-bler by the hand,will not heare the prayers of them that with delight looke unto iniquitie. If the Temple was built from; the vei-y foundation with coftly ftone, hewen and prepared, after it was built,it muft be kept from all pollution. And then if the Temple was a type of the vifible Church m fuch (enfe as this reafon aflirmeth» it muft be gathered of a people truely holy and Separated from the world,and onely of fuch, fo that if any hypocrite fliall craftily creep into it,or any wicked pcr-(bnbe tolerated afterwards, it muftceafe to be a Church; Jugu/?.de'Bapti/, which is direftly contrary to the whole current of Scripture, cctJtr. Petilian,ca. and to that which your felfe many times affirme. The Temple "*• ^ '« ^P'^-«.' is thought to be a type ofChrilt^ofa Chriftian,ofthe Church, ifo'^of.^'&f but whether of the true Catholique Churchi whereof every nar. sic filnt'fffi member if! a living ftone, eleft and precious, or of the vifible inecckfiayejumodt congregationallaflemblyj conf]ftingofgoodandbad,lincere himcres mali in and hypocriticall profclTors, it may well be qiieftioned: For ^'"'/'t''^ i quando e-the vifibleChurch is not built all of coftly ftones, hewen and Z^T.'^yjquZd^ prepared: Therein many perfons inwardly polluted doe oF- excummall, rele-fer, though outwardly they appeare cleane, and fomc may vetur EccUfta. be fufFend to offer j which inwardly and outwardly appeare P Adifpute,pa:i^ to be uncleanc. Men maf net?; ar

And ifit was a type ofthe vifible Church, it muft be confi- thch- pleafure U dered how farre the fignification is to be extcnded,and where- fcribe to any rite inuhe relemblance ftandeth. For as it appertaineth to God whatfoever, ah'>-onely to dcfigne a type, fo it is peculiar to him alone to ex- j.v^g"'ficjtian of pound ornotific the pfignificatior.ofthe type wherein it con- f°ith o'/du'tie of

J iifteth: It' 8 an addition prohibitea for us to interpret divine

inftituted types upon our owne heads, without ground ^nd

ji (^kfluntr a- warrant from God. The common Rule is good, [{rightly li-

OauJeilr. epifil%\ mited •, TheologidfjmboUeanoneftar^Htnentativa, which you cap. » y. Did God had need to ftudy better, for here and elfc-where throughout er man tell it you? your bookcsj youthruft fuch fignifications of types uled in If God, «ajc «t the old Teftament upon your Reader 5 asaie not taught in LawThrp-onh«, Scripture, not for the matter it felfeconfonant to the ^ Scrip-and Pfalmes' the turc: and your whole frame of arguing is drawne from fimi« Apoftolicall or E • litudes and comparifons, which is the moft popular, but de-vaiijdicaJl Wri- ccitfuU and loofe kinde of reaibning, if they be not rightly ticgs ? Reade it »f jjj.j^^,^e j^d well proportioned. Let this particular in hand Jher"%ou uevrr be for example, and let US grant you more than you willde-could J buv if men fif c^ fdl- That the Temple was a type of the vifible Church, have faid it foi ra- and that all the members thereof ought to be holy, truly holy thcr no man bu- ^^d not in appearance onely, fincere Chriftians in the iight of Ihrdcvkelften ^^^5 ^"^ ^" ^^^ judgement of charitie alone, Saints and faith-behofd*^what"yo:i fuH i» truth, and not onely in profeflion and converfation in worfhip, behold feme meafurc anfwerable : be it chat no uncleane thing muft what you ferve,be- be offered upon the al tarjthat no hypocriticall (ervice (hall be **°il**n^^"^°" ^^" accepted; Hence it will not follow, that the focietie is no vi-you waxe^m Jdf* ^^^le Church of God where fuch are tolerated,or that the pure Bilf. cbriO. fub- and unfeigned wor(hijK)f the faithfall> (hall not be accepted, jta.pcftip'cg.xi. when it is tendered in a focietie amongft whom there be fonie You promifcd full rebellious, which bate to be reformed. Wo?d of Gcd'^&Z If the Temple be a type of the viable Church as it was built and now yoH conie ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^''V foundation of coftly ftones, what can it fignific with empty figures in your (enfe, but that the fpirituall houfe of the Lord muft of yourown,apply- confift of them that are truely holy, faithfull, and called^ fb ing without trurh ^\^^^ ^hgy fjiould need, neither axe, hammer, nor any toolc ImblEplTlib f ( ^° y°" P*'^^ ^^^ matter) to fit or fquare. And then by your t/j.ji.The myftel owne confeflion we are to expeft no Church upon the earthy ry of Heaven, let if ever there hath beene an-y.: For in the vifible Church hypo-God hi mfelf teach critcsareand have been mixed with the.faithfull,asrubbii(jhor u3e, ,'.hich madr counterfeit with coltly ftoncs, which could have nc place in which'Ww To'; the Temple. *Thus (\ might fay to you, as you to your Pifto-himfelfe j whom ler) 1 he man is fnared in his owne words, and may iay witii ftould I rather be- the Poet 5 t^^H ■ potior telis vulnera fa^a meis I If the Temple If eve concerning mightbe a typcof theChurch this notwithftanding, then it ^felfe. " (hewes onely What the Church ought to be, not what it is;

* cav.staj,f((Lji, ofwhom it doih confifl as p5ime> chiefe, principall member^ /«g,33. partakers

partakers oFall the Roya'tics and pTiviledgcsthercof,and not who arc tolerated and fuifercd there, as fflembcrsin an inferi-our degree, or as maimes and blcmiftes: And then you muft i ^ ■ ■■

lie under the juft imputation of ab'ifing this inftance to ano " "

thcr purpofe, not agreeable to the truth. W hen you arc pieC- C<tn, Netef. fifSs2 fed with the examples where wicked and ungodly men were f^''.f-P''Z-^9S'lt tolerated in the Church and did beare chicfe (way, snd pof- .*!'" "?'^.iT lelied the greatelt places and cfticcsm the Church, you fly to denied, but maay this, that yor plead againO the firft building of a Church of hypoc.'nes may bq fijch wicked and ungodly menjand here you (ay, He that will '" ^^^ ^^^ chia-ch, build a fpirituall houfe to the Lord,and the orderly gathering vik'trLf'lS^jrt*? and planting of the members of them, were all holy : But if but here Jyeth liie this rea(bn be of any force, it concludes for the cotinuance of point j if any man the Church as well as the firft planting or gathering, that chc *^' affirme that members thereof mult be truly holy. And if this be not more ^^ Tame may be cunning than befeemeth the linccrc handler of Gods Word Vnowne^a'd'^a °d in a matter of fuch importance, let the indifferent confider* unconverted men

that indeed we de». S E C T. III. nyutterly,&c.

THe reafonsufon -which our frofofition is gi-cunded are thefe ; tiecef. ofSeparar. fiyfl, <tAll kicked men are forbidden expre(ly by the fVord of paj^.tjS^ijy^ CfodyfornadUng with his crdiyia/nce or ccjenant. Now if wen to ^^^^* J°« '*• efcafe temforall funijhmem are Afraid to tranfgrc^e flgainfh the y ^ ^' ^* Lowes ofworldlj^PrirJces I mnch morefearefiilljhotildthey he to -^^^ ii^uh'* hreaizehij, who is the King of Kings, andwHUnjiin for it upon their foules and bodies torments eternally. 2. That which de--fhoyeth a Church andmakcsit either to becoTne afalfe Church or ^

no Church at alt, cannot be a true Church, o^- be true matter yfhereofit is made : But men 'vijibly wicked and prophane, make the (fhurch a Synagogue of Satanj Babylon, Sodome, ^yEgypt, andfo be fpied cut and removed, 3. It is againslfenfe and cotfh-tnon reafon, that a Church fhould be conflttutedof unholy ptople : For as in a material I houfe the wood and fi one muFl befrfl prepared, and then laid orderly tn the building : So in the fpirituall^ men and ivomen by thewordofCod 7nuB necejfarily be frfl re-, formed , before they are any way fit to have any place therein, 4. They which have no right to the holy things of God in the Church, Are not to be admitted into it, neither is that Church "which is fo gat heredy rightly confiituted. But rren of wicked con- Matth. 7. f. verfation have no right to the hely things of Cjod in the Qmrch:

'/ifidtherefore th4t: Church whtch isn^atheredoffuiht is fttit right-* Ij conflitHtei^, . •■'yi They carmtperfo.'ws thefervice^s rnddaties* t - j^ ofmemhers, for thpj. are fiMtiiaily. dead ^Jf a (Jliafier mil mt

- ^ ' "' covenant with^ne to he his ferk/nnt^y which hath i"^ ihint no natural

life, MHch iej[ci&c. 6, They have not Chrififor their mad, and "'^ therefore cannot he of his body 5 For as\in the naturall hodj there

- ii' • 1 « irrii f^*fj^fi^fi-h^ a naturallHniop of the faritf. With the head^ hefira v.-..-J » ,,,-^ ther^canbemyaSien vf-naturallcat^ft^tQion, h tweene thehi^att 5i *. |f^ '•5*, and.thet^'ihers^andonemembenandawjiiher :foi>ithefpirituaU ^Tt-iinrr* badj,> the members mnft be firfi umted with Chrlfi the head, and

■>n s ; t. become me with him, before they can any Way partake in his bene*

•!«*■ 4, ' ftsyorhartie communion we^ithanoihen as members of th'pfams ^^I'i tg ^9. body.Httdef htmjhe-hetid, 7. They are altogether uwapMe 6f ^ - r* ■* * t\iis covenatitr. Tor a^ a ^oman which<hath beette oKce a wifi^Xaik* not marry againe with another man^ttntill herfrft hnsband bede* ceafed, or jhee from,him lawfHllj divorced-^ So neither e4n tbefe be married to the Lord, till they have mort^feA.theirxormptiofts, and fHt the world and Satan a^vay, unto which they were before '. (as it were) married. 8. The^dly md'.Wicked are contraries, ffftidedand lead by different can fes: Now true contraries are not capable of one ani:^ the fame forme, P

A N s W.« bJ*

'T'He bcft way to je (ecurefrom the force ofyour clarts, isto run unto the marfee. For here we have reafons numbred up which have weight in them for fbme purpole ( fome of them at the leaft) but direft them to your markej and they recoyle backe upon your (elfe. When you have reckoned up firftyfecondj andthird, &c. the conclufion is ever wanting, and not fo much as one preniife which lookes to the right conclufion to be confirmed. The thing to be proved is this, thatitis notrucChurch of God, which is not planted,gathe« red, or built of Saints onely: but thatconfequence will never follow from thofe premifles. For everything in thofe Reafons muft as well be applied to the continuance of the church,' as to the firft gathering and planting of it. The wicked arc cxprefly forbidden to meddle with thecovenant, ot ordftian-ces of God, men vifibly wicked make thcchflrch a Synagogue ^ . • J.,' of Satan :Mcn muft be hewen and reformeid before they are fit to have any place in theChurch of God: Men of wicked qon-

C70

fwrfatioh '-haVe no tight to the hol^ tltSngs tof God: Tlicy Tcan-« ^'Ton. perpet. go-not ferf4>rme the docies ofnwmbefs^. thty have,not Gbrift iat uf^**• * °' /'•'^7> their hcaHl •, f hey are uncapablc of th&tovenant, &c.' Is.dny vine by'the Word' thing here ipokew peculiar to the incmbcrs.of tlie Church at & excluding from the jfirft planting'theroof, which doth nothold triieof the theSacrametsfuch members of ch* Church cftablifhed and cohfirmed> Arejiot ^^ "otonoufly fin. ihcwic*ed'.'»ra]i times forbidden, to meddle with the ordi- Prophmmrhtln-nances of G^j,' Utlcapableof theicovcnant,' Ipiritually dead, terined<J!c,tlic rJo-hotfit to have place in the houfeof God ? And if this hold pleciiglitnot: It true agalnft fuoh members of the Church at all tlimeSjWhy doe ^^«>F^rt of their youbeare theReadcrin hitud, Thatydu onely plead azainft *^"^*^» ^"^'" ^^^-tht'fifftbiiiildHig of h Church -dffufikwicked and ungodlj aSom Si f[?I pcrfbiis ? *The J^aefiion(ymfaj/ ^hkthever hvenabour thetrtfv lowfhip and coml ^ndriAturMl members y whereof Gods (^hnrch is /^^derly gathered, P'^"y both civil I 3c andpiamed, and^tot about theAecencrate anddecajrdeflate thercr- ^^J^^^» ^^ it h tlic of. %ht if any of thefc Reafons. will conclude ou^;t,there was fyelc'to dif/a T' TiCTdf fbci^tle Cd be eftefemed the true church of .Gocl,aJl w hoie people to aflift anj members were not Saints and holy, (piiitually enlivciij fiitrrto tJ^ecutethatjudoe-performe the dilties*of members, Httcid,'pi eparcil and laid or- '?<^"f. The /^po. derty in thfe bttflding, married to the Lord ChrilK What you f/^^'^'^f "°' ^"^^ "hold, ^that-Js not materiall in thispoint, but what your At- liki^°" • nrn^mWrt' gUmwts-concludeifoiMfthey'infei'neohctUinjBiaiidyou-irihiinl- SHdi^Jrer^tU^'Ch^ tttlWanOtfier, ofneceffidcthey ai^e-Weakc, or ybiiarccwfcffato ^•*'vecofemcd, but J^Ik CSi.OTh^\i.*Ijtheyfl},'itlfaj3 [tl:tisyr.xivriee) that06- '^"Pyncth it as a

■ffwaf^ 'OJid iticorrhibleftnrters, mnlAt»fmh be fujfcredtherein), "5^flj^vduty,and ;L-, . , ^ ^^0 0 r I 7 I • u -ri 1 <^oiTiadcth thcm^n

^Tms^yre fifptme tiabeurtrur: But tfthey fay^ that in a true "Jifibie y\^^ ^^^^ of Chrlft

-C^ktiych^thA-eWav^^e^>atevillscctm»'meA^ yca.a>fdaJo7fgmvie I-Jns towithdiaw

^Vd4eratedi, vee'^affciiti^t*)it,: HoicbeiQit iseert^'.na (a^ D'^ .Ames f^cmfelvesfrom c~

^hh)'T^hl^^ f<>rbearaMe !r'.*^ie7'0us Jinne 'b.'foi-e Cfod/Oi the ^'^^7 brother that

iftwftjll toleration of oblHnatc and incorrigibJe perfons, we ""^^^^.^ ^^ ^wlf^'

-haveno controverliewith you j Bat if any one realbn here he there ^^^intith^a

•broii'<*h"t: fey you cothi pinpo(e, it cannot be the trnc Churdi • bHceving Magi.

'^Df-God. Wh<5re any one obftinatcknowne oftcndcr isfuffer^ed, ^^^^^i the P.-.ftour

-^AvhitV hath nk right to the holy-things of God. That the J''''i'7^^^°j \'^^^'

ittcftibcrs ot the Church ought to walke in holiiieflc, you need nVfuch°?iPOHr°a."

'g^i'nft w'ilfull and obftinatelinncl-Sj without the knowledge aiid conferit of the people. Eiifcb, hkft^lih,^: caf>. »,q:-rke^^(irety/'ib.l^cap. 17. Bilfcn. Ckriftian fuijt£f>.part. ^/>7^. 8 i, 82^

>8 j^fiii. TheQp.cftion 13 ftotwhetjicr Bishops i}wll'-c<^ with open andobftmate

rices wjjtfec ^ords Table : .but whether they (hall chafe them fiomtheir Kingolomes or no : WC miflike<pot repentance inpnnces, bnt reliftance in fubjcds, &c. But maike what care Ju, f^ufibic will h.ivcobr<^rved,how and whendifciplineftould beadminiftrcJ, * CaTi, Necc/.oi ■

'^f«r^f.ptfg. 15*4, i$>5. *Can.N9Ctf^QiSeparat.pag.i^i.

■■' ■ ' ao:

(70

not prove • buc that thv Congregation cannot be the true Church of God, where fuch things .re {uffcred as ought not to be: A.nd yet your Reafons goc ..igner than fo.

For if they be duely examined, whether doe they fpeake of fuch as be truly holy, or onely vifibly holy ? Saints and faith-full ill the fight of God,or onely in the e> cs. nd approbation of men 1 0nely the Saints arc capable ofthc Covenant, fpiri-t^ally alive unto God, married unto Jefus Chrift, and have communion with him: onely they are hewcn, fitly prepared and layd truely upon the fjpirituall foundation ; onely their fcrvice is accepted of God rnJefusChrHt. It is nothing here to anCwcrj the r nbccs c • the Church are fuel* in the judgement of charitic: For in the degenerate ftatc.the Church doth not ever confift of (uch as you confefle: and your reafons kerc fpeake of them that be fuch indccd,in the judgement oftruth, quiekned by the Spirit, acceptable to God, Saints by Covenant, the living members of Jefus Chrift, and fo heires of lal-vation..

And if we looke into this matter more narrowly, the con-clufion fightcth with the premifles, and doth manifeftly ovcr-ffal.f*. i^. turnc what you would build. The wicked are exprefly for-

MoUerJnF/aLs^. bidden to meddle with the Cover ^::t. !i>ut thofe wicked ones " ^' to whom the Lord fpeaketh at that time, more vifible members of the true Church. The wicked make the Church of God (you fay) a Synagogue of Satan, Sodome, &c. And doth Ifa. i. lo. not the Prophet call them Princes of Sodome, and people of

Gomorrah, who were the people of God by covenant, members of the true Church?Doe they provoke God to fpew them out of his mourh5or to remove his Candlefticke ? But untUl he remove his Candlefticke^or fpew them out of his mouth, they Szck. j^. 4^14^» continue his Church and people. Rebellious y/;;^^?^ julUfied 47>&c. her Sifters Sodome and Samaria, and yet fhee continued thft Church of God, when they were caft off; A tree unhcwcn and unprepared is unfit matter for an houfcj and (b arc tares, biased come, and dry earcs, to grow together in thf. field with good corne, as wheat, SCc. But the houfe ceaieth not to be an nou(e, though a piece of timber unprepared be put into it, cr the cornc-field to be a field of come, becaufe the r.a-?s src iiiffered to abide untill the har/cft, A dead man cannot perform the office of a living member, but inftrumentally he may doc the office of a member, or he may bear inftrunient which

(73)

the head is plcafed to ufc, for the g^ ^d of the body; other-wife no hypocrite who is fpirituaily dead could be any means of good unto the focietie. I r o wicked man is fpiritualJy married unto Chrift, nor hypocrite, but hypocrites and wicked ioen may be members of the (bcietie which in refpeftof external! covenant J married unto Chrifti or clle the Church of the Jewes was not beloved of him. The godly and wicked are lead by different caufes, and fo are hypocrites and iincere Chriftians, but they may be linked together in th? fame outward focietie. Hypocrites, you confeflcj are members of the Church, unt'iU they be didevered and caft out:But the upright and the dcubic-hearted art o "♦•*; ''*s,lcaH' " different caules, and fo uncapablc of the fame forme, to ulc your phrafes.

E c T.

IV.

" T7^^ '^^ *'' ^^'^^ ^^^ ;W^fW^«'(j/fA<r learned aifo. There Cun.Nccer tfS "

*' jL mf^ft l^e (faith Molkr us ) a frojejjion of true Religion and parat. /><?/" 178.^'

" obedietwe jeelded thereto, at ledfi, om^'ardlj to become a mem- TnPfal. i y.

** ber ef the vifible Church. BcZA faith, He is rightly joyned to the ^^^^^j^ ^^^ ^ •

** Church, whichffparates hmtfelfe from tlx vriri^d, P^i,] <• ^//^

*' the Romanes Saints C^ftith Aretius) to put a difference betweene in Rom. -. 7,

«* their former efiate wherein they Uv^d,which )X'as unholy ard im- ^oL thef. thetlog.

*' fure, and the condition to which they we-1 now called, Pifcator ^"^^ * J ^'

" ajfrMfs the matter of a particular Church to be a company of

" 'BeleeverSf &€.

Answer. • MarVe what care

S. Augufiine will

YOu may eafily bring heapes of tcftlmonics for that which '^^^^ obferved,how

thefe Authors affirme. Forlfuppofetherc isnot, no-e ^uj^d^b^^^^r j''

ver was, godly, orthodox Divine, of another judgement. Augufixontr^p^ar-

But that which they (ay, and you maintaine, arc incompati minian. lib.^.ca.i.

hie, ThcJrAflertion is taught in Scripture, profeflcd by the I<^contagion of fin

godly learned in all ages, and is mort evident to right rcafon, ''^^ ^^^^^^^ *

illuminated by faith. But that which you contend for, is nei merdfuif fever

ther taught in Scripture, nor confirmed by rcafbn, or profef of corrcftion from

ledby godly and learned AuthorSjancienr or moderncjof one God himfelfe is

fort orotherj parties excepted. For it is one thing to fay, the "^"fl^ry. Nam

Church is a focietie of faithfull people, joyning together in X„^t\^'^Brr^J

the ordinances of worfhip : Another, that it in no Church pernim'/aatq-'K.

K k where mtegay(f(.

(7+)

where the ignorant orprophane arc tolerated. The fir ft of thcfe is atrirmed : The latter is that which you muft prove out of thofe Writers ( which you can never doe ) or el(e you abufc both your felfe and them. Order is reqi-ilite in every adminiftration of the Church, as the Apoltle teacheth, and (;an. Ntcef. •/^e- chief.y in the coUeftion thereof, you fay. But the want of or-i>arat. pag. i • ^^^ .^ ^^^^y p^^j^^ requifite,either in the colleftion or government of the Church, doth not make it no Church. You know it is an ufuall received diftinftion, that hypocrites and ungodly men are in the Church, but not of the Church. And if at any time you read that notorious offenders are neither of the 7 c^-tpLtp(^.^^. Church, nor in the Church; Thefame Author hath cxplai-' 5 5, nedhimfclfc, that when he faith, There be no knowne Drun-

kards or Whoremongers in the Church, he fpeakes of that '/, C. *. n^l.f<xf.M v/hich (hould be: As when Pattl faith. That the Church of god pig, ii,i. hath no cfiflome to contend, he fetteth forth, not that which al-

AugM mor. Etcl. ^j^ygg commeth to pafie, but what ought to be alwayes.Jf or cathot.(lb.i,c.i4- . be that contention may continue in a Church miny

cS:reiS yearelandyetitceafenottobethetrueChurchofGod. Jmow. not or keepc Jn Mollerm I can finde nothing that makes to your purpofe, not the force of but many things directly againft you. Firft, heentreateth in their profeffion. ^^^ pfalme of the true lively membeis^of the Church , and . Ilako not after the ^. f yo^^. gioffc ( at leaft outwardly ) corrupteth the "e"i"^uetlt Text. Thus in the argument of the Pfalme he writeth-O/..-gion are intangled dit cjuiftnt cultm, mt opera cfux Deo pUceant, & qt4om'odo vera with fuperftinon: ^ ^/^^ membra, Fcclefta ab hjpocrlt/<s & alijs manifefte impljs, my felfe knew ma- ^ifcgj-yiipoirint & d;beant. And in the whole Pfalme he (hew-^pc?; cTtci^be; eth that he fpeaketh of the living members of the Cliurch, for and piaures, whom Hdvation is prepared, and to whom it is rclerved, and

not ofvifible members oncly. Thus upon the firftver'fe, ^-Jugufi.contrJ'ar, tw antem hoc verbo, m oftendnt difcrrmcn inter perpetuos Ec4i(^ iib.^.cap.z.ltc:iii~ n^ clves, p'inmil:ncs,feu hjpocriras % (jut ad temptts funt iKis not be an health- '^:^:^ //; eni^fi etiamfi venditent fe pro veris Eecleftx mem-many'^'burwhcn brh,externh prcfejfione^&obfervationeritmtn: tamen^uia^e-he rh^itis reprovcJ ra &fol}da piet^te carent, & vfirijsfordibiufuntpollmt, tandem hath no nunaber to i^ndicio dizinofcparabHntftr a veris Ecciefta mfwbris. And in his ukehis P^'-j. Hut third obfervation upon the firft Verfe; Ssa [ape contingit, h h^ f?fl' d Eccleftam B ei mpiltis inquinamentls deformem cernere, ne quis ad

ny, t^h°egoodh^ve hscfcandalumimpUq^at, difcrimenconfiitHendumefi, interperpe^ nothing left for tuos Eccl(fiA civcs & inqmlinos, ejui adtempHsfmt tlli^perm'tflt, them to doe,but to j^^^nnandi mturfmt Anabaptifii, qui non put ant veram effe Sc-forrow & mourne, ^ slcfiam}

C70

clefidm, qUd vk'ut ^jUddam tolerare cogiuir. If this be not fuffi-cicnt, (ec what he hath upon the fifth Veiie. And hi"; observations upon the firft and fifth Verfes. But what you alledpeouc of him I cannot finde.

M*^. Bez^a hath that which you cite out of him, but he mea-neth nothing lefle^ than that a Chrjjj^ fliould feparate from the Church and ordinances of grace, becaufe ungodly men are ftrflfercd, which (hould be removed but arc not. in his Ma- 2ct* Avnot, Jtfi. jor AnnotationSjhcexpIaineth himfeife thus ; Sxprejfe ujas JorinAff.x.^o, efl hoc verba Lucas, ut ojlcnderct ipfarum iunmarum[alHtem^o^ ^ex^y «/>(/?.»./>*£♦ fitam ejfe in difcejftone a prophanoram cxtibtis. But the Church *S> >?• of God, wherein prOphane perfons are fuffered to abide, is ^" ^^^^ f^ '^'^ not the congregation of prophane men in M^BcJua's judge- ut'Tru^anT^'^' ment, from which we muft depart. Let tliis or that be fauiti- mij//'quS luifcmt ly done or pretermitted of fomeCfaith he).;re they not there- confcientU ad earn fore ChriftianS50r to beefteemed brethren I But they will fay, ^ccumticcedat/ed This is at leart to communicate in their finne, nay, this confe- ^. '"^!* 'Pj'ta eon^ quenccismolUalfe. For if 1 come prepaitd to the Supper, ValtmTftAt^^^^^^ I am not to (earch with what confcience any man doth come ^3' cum Adulteri/ toitwithmci but I mull take care of mine owne confcience. & cum HomUidiil Therefore if I come to the Supper, chafte and free from wic- ^' J^f*^ Meratijft^ kednefle, though I communicate with adulterers, with mur- *^dhlTu^^^*^iA derers, and with moft wicked wretches, fo they be fuch by no tak% ftm[^ /T ^d fault of mine, their impuritie (hall not hurt me. And what I canam cafim (^ rpeake of manners, I alfolay of doftrine, which fomctimes A^'c''« puras acm the Paftours doe not purely deliver, nor the hearers receive J^^*""* "'^'(^orw well and holily. I will fay morc,if fomc Paftoureither igno- Tuerit^Efq^^^/^ rantly or advifedly, (hould admit a Jew or Turke, the whole nordm duo etim fault ofthacfaft (hall fall upon him, and I would not come ^e doffrwa/dice^ no more flackly to the Table of theLord ^becaufe his impure ^"odmerdum ncc confcicnce,fo I be without fault.doth not pollute mine which r^AZji./"' IS pure; and that very Supper is pure to me, which that im- Jitores fat it reSe pure perfon prophaneth. Thus Be^a. And this may be ^cnkpiunt. Tjieam (hewed to be the conltant judgement ofall orthodox Divines, ^^^<i ampliusfi vel not parties in this ca(e, and it is a thing fo well knownc, that n^^^ '''.^'^^^" it is (Iiperfluous labour to examine the reft particularly. And pudtntcr fljti!^. here let it be noted. That it is ufuall to define the Church by pruder^cradmittei the better part, by the true and living, chiefe principall and rct^uTaiiHuifactl pcrpetuall members, partakers of the royalties and liberties f^^'P^^in ilium recu of the catholike Church, knit unto Chrilt, quickntd by the f/rlalsltiTrtd Spirit, heires of ralvation,& one with the triumphant church: „j^faM TtoMini «f-

K k 2 And cejferoft^c.

C7«)

And not by all forts, as m outward focietic and profcfflon are linked togethrj who >etare not excluded from the focictie \n refpeft o^ proMon, nor denied to be members of the Church in their klnde or in a fort fuch is arc called onely by cxternall vocationa ar^embcrs in their kinde of that company called, or exiernlny lelcfted, but not true members of the Church militant, nor militant members of the Church catholique, whereof Chrift is the head„ And thus the church is a company of faith full pcopk, finccre, upright, walking with God, which is mixed w'th hypocrites and wicked li* vers, not as living members of Jefus Chrift, but as members in a fort of the vifible focictie; as members in the church by out*-ward profcifion, but not of the true militant chiircb.

E c T.

V.

Hecefi of Separate >.X79,180,181. Babel no Bethel, pa^* 108, ChaJl.c<t.\.p<tgiZt 34-

SuicLChal.pa.4P. and anfw. to the except. p3g..6jf 4

B

Burton, anfwtr to Hitholiii.pAg.ioo.

Burto in the fame Bookc, pag. p^.

Ejore JenAthid point, IivillhereUy downc fome fe^ Sjlld-pfmfs, Intirely made upj bettfeen the Inconformifls and Con-formifis,aIl concluding theforenamedpofttionfThat ^hfirchtvhkh hath-not a Urpfull Miniflerj, is not a trfte vijihU ["hurchrBut the (^hurch of England hath not a true la^full CMinifiery : Ergo, The church of England is not a true vifible Church, "The propo-fition is affirmed of the Conformijis, as Burton, Sutcliffe. The eyfffumption is granted by the Nonconformifisy as we have in the firji-chafter largely Jhewed, The true vifible Church of(^hrifhi) M focietie of beleeving and faithfull pfofle, and kcommumonof Saints, fofay the Conformijh. 'But the Church ofSngdandtj not afocietie of beleeving andfaithfu/l people, a communion of Saints (thus ^rite the Nonconformifis.fee page 16p.)Ergo,r/J<? Church tfgnghnd is not the true vifible (^hurch. The true (^hurch is the Kings daughter, defi:rihedin Pfalme 4.5. But the (^hureh of Eng^ land is not the Kin qs daughter (0 defer ibed. Therefore the ^hurch of England is not the true Church of Chrifi. The propofitioa.is laid dofvne by the Confarmifij, tv here by they prove Romeafalfe Church, The J gumption is the Nonconformijls -^ Fcr if they fay the iruth, their members have not thofe qualities belonging to the Kings daughter , neither the Tri(ft nor people. Seepage \^,i6. 39.13 7'1^9-170. The true Church ofChrifl-isthefiockeof Chrifi' :But the Church of England is nopthe true fiockjf Chrift, therefore the Church of England is. not the true Church of(^hriH, The vrcpofttion (fay,the C.anformi^s)iiUndgMable:S<)U^.'i.63'^\

Aft. 20.

Cf7)

^d[,20, 2S,']oh,lO. 16. The ij^ffimptio>i IS jfrH'td l>y the Nonconforwijis PrtMeip/d, corKfand 7W//7 Job. lo. 3, 4.. 27. Chr^fisfiocJ^e heare his voice, anJI^cw it, a/jdfaNt/Tj.ir, ^ufjhc 1

ChHrchofEnglarJfH[wiTtin^taAnuKU->[:4lU^^i»ijicryi_rio,'-. pjij>^ ^nd difcipUne^ hcarc not {^hrijis voice, nor krjove, mr aei^ojt'-ledge,mrfoUovrit, hutthevojce of ^michrijl: The (^hnyrh oj ^oddoth keeps 1'. dcHrine cfthe Afofiles and Frophe-j, Without^ addition, alteration, or corruption \ { thus the (^o-aformtfis, ) ,W«t the Poursh vf Er.gUnd kccpcs not the dtfSlririe of ike yipoji/es md Sutcl. Chat. tap. u Prophets, yfithout addition,alteration and corrupt ion,fay the Noh-^ J"*^' ^' **£' 9-cortjortrnfis •, Sec pag. I c8. Ergo, pjce is not the (fhurch ofgod^ No foe ie tie can be te armed Gods ihHrch,^'hich retaineth not Cods true '^orJhip( this the (^onfor^Mfis : ) But the Church of Eng. land doth notretaiKc ^odj true worjhip, fij thjc Nonconformifisi Seepag.'j^Jtothe 1,13. Ey^O) Me cannot he tc armed Gods church. The fame Booke The true ^hurch conffteth not cf fierce Lyons, Wolves, Tigyes, pag. 13, arg. ly. ' ttndfuch like ^ildc and fierce heafs 5 But ofSheepe, a>id Lambes, Yfchich learne of (^hrifi, and are mceke, humble, gentle, Crc, So fay th'el^onformifis. "But the Englijh Church doth conffief Lyons, Id,fag^ty,aTa,<t^ f^olves,Tigr'es, aifdfuchlikeVeilde and fierce beafs, and not of Sheepeand La/»hes,7vhich learne cfChr'Ji, and are meeke, hum-hie, and gentle, Qrc. Thus the Nonconformifls ; fee pag, ^ i. c^^c, 145.16p. Therefore it is not the t rue (^hurch. Htre the Reader fe^eth eleerety how the (^onformifis Majors avA the Noncanfornji/ls ' Minors y make up intireSjllcgifmes,of Separation, And how they ..■:

yfill be able to locfe thefe kn6ts,Iknorp not •, except by revoking ut-^ terlj their orrn grounds, vhich ifeit her of them doe,jet I doubi not but yvepjall he ^ellenough able to maintaine them againlf mer.

An. jr.VY, B'R-

YOu pleafe your felfe withthc fame Song, which here ivc have over againe and agaiuCj.tunedivith the fame ait. Eut that which you tajke cfthe Conformifts Majors and the Inconformifts Minois ( your (landers fetafldc j is idle and loyiQi. For in that matter there is no difference betwixt the Conformifts and th^elnconformifts. The Conformifts Majors ^asthey are truely meant, thelnconformifts doeaflentunto: Atid the abu(e ot ignoranccidlenefle, prophanenefle, both of ^f5inifters& people, whercofthe Nonconformiftscomplainc; the Conformifts doe acknowledge and bcwailc. And your. "^

Kk-3 fdfc "'

(78)

fclfc a litdc after in a matter of the fame nature affirme, that herein you (ay no mor*;* than what in effeft is fully acknow-dn. tietef, of St- Icdged, by the NonconfDrmifts, Conformift'', the Church of ^arat.pag* i?}« ^?i^/W, the learned gene^a^!y, and all the reformed Churches upon earth: and for proofe you quote the fame Authors you here ailed ge And why then doe you trifle thus with the Conformifts Major, and Inconforniifts Minor i Did the found of thole words plea ft you fo well t But let the Majors and Minors be whole they will, no intire or perfeft Syllogifhies o£ Stparatifme can be made up of them, but (iich as ignorance in not underftanding, or an evill conlcience in pf;rverting or fal-fifying their (ayings, doth conclude. They may well itand to their grounds and unloofe thole knots, and if they under-ftand their owne principles, they cannot but untie them. But how you can free your (elfe from the guilt of an eviO confci-ence,unlefle you recant what you have wrilten,repcnt of your Hit Tl e diffc- Separation) and acknowledg the wrong you have done to the rence betweenchri'. Nonconforniifts^ by mifreporting, perverting and falfifjjihg ftian fubjea^.^r.i. their principleSjas you call them* I leave to youf (erious cou-pag.9t. Thefe {fc. fideration, and the reexamination of what you have clone. " the Church mili- p^j, jj^g n^x. underiianding of the Conformifts propofiti-l^c^S!':^ om(I fpcake inyotirphrafc) againftthcC^^^^^^ Church. Jerufalem wemuft note. That th&n.omanifts hold the Church of Rbtnc which is abo e, it to bc the cathoHque Church of Chrift here on earth^under the the mother of us Pope the Head j in v;hich (enfe their propofitions are to be alI.Gd/.^4.^Tee^be ynJerftood: For the true catholique militant Church is a no^more ftrangers faithfull people, a communion of Saints, the flocke of Chrift, andforreiners, but that hcareth his voyce, keepsth the doftrine of the Prophets Citizens with the and ApoftleSjWithout addition or alterationjandworftiippeth Saints, and of the QqJ ^^^\y according to his will: And there is truly and pro-EpbH^oxyo^hl Pe^ly no member of the militant Church catholique, which come to the Citie doth not this finccrely in truth and meafure. But they never of the living God, thought nor taught, that every member in a (brt, of the vifi-and Heb.x z.where bIeChurches;WrB holy and uncere, thetrueflieepe of Chr|j inheavcn b^no! ^^^^^^""' ^"^ effeftually called : much \t{^t, that it was no removed from the Church of Chrift,wherein abufes were to be found,or ungod-Church of God, ly prophane men wcre tolerated. The''.Church militant and but be received to triumphant, are not two Kingdomes., but two degrees of oae

their fcllowlhip. ' ' ' ' ,^

Id.part i./>.a^o. The Chiirf h^^ Mav^n, itit another Church from thison eacthjor the fam*' Certainly, Chrift hath but one body which ishis Chprch, and of that body feeing the Saints (/c.in hcavenjbc the greata and worthier parf,they iruft bccotintcd :hc fame church with us.

King-

c r% )

Kuigdomc. The CiiyrcV vWie and iavifi|>Ifi;ar€:not,two Churches, but diftinft CQn(iderac;ion&of the fame Church. If then we Tpcake of true, found, I'.ving, chiefc, principle members of the militant Church, fuch as partake in all the royalties and priviledges of members, every member of the Church militant is a true branch in the jVine js^it firme!y unto Chrift, qaiclined by the Spirit, and Ihall bean inheriter of cternall glory. But if we Ipeake of members in a fort of vifiblc ibcieties, fo hypocrites may be members, and ungodly mc!?j as they are tolerated in the {ocietic^ when the bettcj' part cuii-llOt reforme or amend them,

But to the Arguments in order. Firftj The Church may be true though the Miniftery be deficient in the order of calling, qualification of perfons, and execution of their office: But that Church is falfe whofe Mi-niftcry is altogether falfe for fubftancc of their office, thati is '^ »

the doftrine which they teachj Sacraments ^hich they adrai-nifler, and fiinftions whereunto they are (et apart. Thus the Conformifts and Inconformifis both. Now if We fpeake of thcMiniflery of the Church of <?»^/<«»^Jndcfinitly,both Con-lotnufts and Inconformi{\s v/ill confefTe fbme things to be faulty both in the entrance and execution of their callings ; as that fbme are ignorant, proud, covetous, caielefle,corrupt, not watching over the flocke : Bui abfohitely that their Mit)i^ -ilery is falfe in refpeft of the fubftance o: their office, that was mcvcr faid by either of them, as you doe or might well know, r The true Churcii The knot to be unloofed now remaincth in yout confcienc«, is an univerfall coin that either you jequivocatc in your Major^or againft know- gr^gation or fcl-•ledee, charge the Nonconformifts in your Minor, with that r ^w?, ^^ Gods

1 ? u ..u r • J faithfulJ and cleft

which they never laid. j^. },u,iti.

Secondly, The true Church of Chrifl,that is, the true and the foundations o" lively members ofthe militant church,and militant members the Prophets and of the catholique church, is a company of- faithfull people, ^P"ftlf s, Chrift a communion of Saints, the true flock of Chrift, which hearc, f/"', h'jtead co'" know, acknowlec^, beleeve, and obey thevoyce of Chrift; J,er ftone. And°h the kings daughter which is all glorious within,knit to Chrift hath ahvayes rhree .^ nocfs or niarJccs

%vhcret)y it is knowne $ pure and found dodrine,theSacraments miniftred accor^ung toChrifts holy inflitution, and ihc right life of Ecclefiafticall difciplincjf/ow. i.boof^efhcw.for IVbitef. y.parr. The Church confifteth not of men, but of faithfull men, and they be the Chuicb,noc in refpcaof flelh and bloud, which came from earth., but of truth and gracc,which came from Heaven, Bilfon. Cbti(^. Subjfd.^^art >. pag. * ^ X.

and

(8o)

and mari'ied uftto HimtBut in this (bcicric there are mixed noi oncly iecret hypocrites, but fierce Lyons, TigrcSj Wolves, Bcares, wicked Teachers^ and ungodly livers. Thus the Con-foi^mifts and Inconformifts. And in this (enft the Church of England U a (bcietie of faich^I and belecving people, the flocke of Ohri'^, the Kinjgs daughterjCjuickned by the Spirit, enriched with grace, decked with Gods ordinances, walking m fincere conftant confcionable obedience, though in outward focietic and profeflion, mixed with many ignorant, vainc prophane pcrfons, who have received the preflfe-money of Chi 1ft, bu* indeed fight under the Devils banner, as doe all hypocrites and ungodly wretches; that is, in the Church of England, there be feme truely of the Church which hcarethe voyce of Chrift, mixed with thole which in words profeflc sneo iit,lt<kl\o\\, Chrift, but in theii deeds deny him : Thus the Conformifts lo. I. Thethcepe ^nd Nonconfbrmifts. The knot here lycthonely inanxqui-. ^'^l/^lndue/with vocation or groffe abu(c of the word ^/?»rc^,which fonictimei fpiritiiaU hrhrand notes the whole vifible focietie, linked in in externall profef-difcretion/ (ion, and fometimes the true and living members of Jcfus

tBitfCbria.fub' Chriftj againft which •"he gates of hell fhall not prevailc. jen.partx.pa.x^ j. Thirdly, Th^' f>«c-c- c'* Chrift doc heare hi^ voyce, but S')^ariSber of what Iheepe ? not all that be (hecpe in profeffion, but all that men J for Infidels, be fticepe indeed and truth, cfFcftually called and gathered in-herciickcs,andhy- toChrifts (hcep-fold. Thcy heare, that is, acknowledge, be-pocrites, arc not lecve and obey Chriils voycelincercly, but not pcrfeftly, ful-jhe Church, ^Jjut jy^ ^nd complcatly : for the faithfuU may crre of frailtie and ScWom"&Sacral infirmitie, both in faith and manners: fonietimcs they are mcnts, trudy fcr- miflead through ignorance, drawnc afide by paflions, foiled vingGod, accor- by temptations. Clirifts Iheepe doe obey his voyce, but 'all ding to tlic Gof- jjj^j 3,.^ Jinked with them in outward focietie) doenotfin-^^ d°f akd b^"the ^^^^^^y obey, nor yet in converfation falhion themfelves to the Spirit^of grace, a- direftion and conimandcment of Jcfiis Ghiift. And thus the gainft the day of Church o( England, that is, the true and faithfull people in Redemption. thole focicties, doe heare and obey the voyce of Chrift in

u Gratiaiu decret. ^^^^.h, others mixed with them doe heare and profefie but not ^^J*'^'^'Vre/f"r'w ^^^Y- H the Church doe erre, it is of ignorance, not of wil-Gi'o^) Novitati- fulneife, orftubbornnefle: Jn matters oflefle importance, not btii.lpfacongt:ga- fundamcntall or bordering tHei-euport : It is the errour of tiofiddiumyhicdi- fomeonely, add not of the whole Church, which crrours

fJl Eaut' T " ^^""^'^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ of Chrift. The knot lite ff none ffe """ ^^^*'^ ^^ beunlooftd, is y pur finne in charging that upon the

Ncn-

(8i)

Nonconformifts, the contrary whereto they have ever nuhi* taincd.

Fourthly, In the true Church of Chrift, the tnie doadnc ofjefus Chrift, the Prophets and Apoltks in matters fundamental! is keptjbut fo as the living members may crie both in w Chaloyter, Credo doftrine and manners, and others in focietie with them may ^^<^nct,ip(iTtyfub~. crrcgroflely, impenitently, finally. And tliusthe Church of J^'^'^^^^f^^^^ in England doth keepc thcdoarine of'' Chriii.thc Prophets and ZaTvtnl^itTn, Apoftles intirely without addition or alteration, though in tcrs the Creed )i« the government and adminiftration there be many things a- "otonely an our-mifle; though in the Ibcictie there be many who be not qua- ^^^^'^ P^f^f^cflionof lifted as Oieepc, humble and rneeke, but fierce and cruell. Jl!n?but%°'^ "^'fcr

Fifthly, i\o focietie is the Ciiurch of Chrift, which rctai- fion^oAhrfarac ncth not the true worftiip of God 5 buth.:h^ tmc Church of under the notion God, his pure worfliip may be ftained with rites and cere- o^""th. And that monies, which might well be fpared, and are juiUy difjiked. f''^^!'"r<^'i in this Thus both Conformifts and Nonconformifts, and all other ql%ory^ (brts and fefts of men. And thus in the Church oiEitgland, confef. i ? ni/tMrd the true worfliip of God is for fubftance rightly maintained, Tom.upo Thomas though the Nonconformifts diflike, and the Conformifts 'jjfp'^-^f'i'pa^.',. groane under fome ceremonies not aLaii-loned, The onciv i* i^.andBf^ KBOthcre tobeunlooledagame is yourllander agamft the Book de Eic/e c, ca Nonconformifts, in that you charge them to (ay, that the i f. BUfon ct'ri/i'. Church of England doth not retaine th** true worh)ip of f^^j^ct^par-i.pa^, God. J°J« IJ^e vifibic

And now I (hall defire youcalmely to confider how ac- ^ATod'^d^S cordifjg to your principles you can untie a knot or two, if elcft ftreprobaw' they fiiould be knit for you in this wife. hath no fuch pro-'

Firft, He is no true Paftor of Jefus Chrift, who groflfely n^irejbutOicemay perverteth the Scripture, falfifieth Authors, dcceiveth with T^'c^}V^^f^°r

. . J \.L.u n.' c t-y J lenofchnlt.which

equivocations, condemnetntlie true worlhip or God as per- are the tmemcqv nicious idolarrie, and the " focietles of Saints as idolatrous bcrj of his body^ andAntichriftian Aflemblies, and labourcth to draw Chri- properly called his ftians from the communion of Saints, which ought to be kept Church, they iliali and maintained. Examine your writings in the feare of God^ dition'&c?^" ^'^^'' and adde the propolition wanting. . x 5f»c// upon the

firft to the Thefxhap. i,«y.i.Thc Church of God is in God the Fat tier, and intlicLord lefus Chriftiitis the companyof the faithfulh when God hath gathered together in Chrift,by his Word, and by the holy Ghoft, to honour him, as he himfclfe hath appointed. This Church hearcth thcvoyce of the Shepheard. It will not follow a (trangcr,but flycth from him. Of this Church. Himru in Mic, lib, j, cap. i. faith, Ecclefa Cbrifii in toto orbe Ecclejias pojji-dttJSjC;'c. . .'

/

C8i)

Secondly, He is no true Minifter who derives his amhoritie froin tlicm that are notable to give it. But he that derives bis authoritie from the people, derives it from the .i that have no authoritie to give it. You know the conclufion, and where it will light.

Thirdly, The true Church of God is the true flock of Chrift, the Kings Daughter, quickened by the Spirit, married unto Chriftj gentle, meeke, humble, retaining the true worftip of God, without addition or alteration, and keeping the unitic of th e Spirit in the bond of peace 5 But the focietie of Separa-tifts L not the true flocke of Chrift, quickned by the Spirit, humble, mcefce, gentle, ke6f'n«» the unitie of the Spiri.. in the bond of peace. Thcfc properties doc not agree to all and every one in that focietie in truth, according as in the former pfopofitions,you ray,they belong to the true Church of God. Ifyouflrallbeable tomalntaine the former propofitions a-gainft men, as you vaunt, 1 doe not beleeve you (hall be able to unloole thcle few knots.

G HAP. V.

Sec T. I.

^Tmayh/hftteypillexpcSl that ipjouldirrhe fame-thing- of their LeBnrers j and the rather becanfe they in tke^iidgement ofmany^^re thought ta be the hefi Jldi'/iifters, Of their life am dodrine I fay no^ thhifr. But as for their Minif^ery, furely it is new .^indfirange^ Per the Originall of their name, mmmr of entrance, md Admimfiration, isunknovonervholly te the Scriptures, and I thinke never before heard of,till in thefe latter broken and confafed times. Therefore it is m marvell, rohen the £^flion hath beene propundedto fomeofthem, as il rcashj the Phay-ifees tojohn. Who art thou? That they have not been able for their life tf an-

fwtr

(83)

fiper to anfvfer the point. Neither couU agree Among themfelves what kindc ofMinifiery it is that they have taken up. And bclni hardpreffedfo rejolution, they have ingenuoujly confejfed, that unleff'e they be Evangclifls, theycok/d )7otfee hoip their Minifierj doth accord with any Minijlcry mentioned in the Nerv T<.ftame*7t, This I rvrite Hpon my owne certain i^tnvledge, the per fans / t>jink< are yet living, vchofe names for fome rcafon Iforbeare to exprejfe. Ho^beir, lean and^illdoe it if I fee there be ajuji- ^nd necejfary occafion,

1 doe not thtnke itfirange that they fhould thtujpeake: for indeed I know not wtoat rhey can fay better in defence of their fiand-ing. lafiours, lamfure, they wV/ mt fay they are -. For,

firji y They doe not tak£ any panicu/afiCharge 9fitfl^cie, upoi$

them. J ■■ ^'j-'-'y. . > 't .•,.-...;.:'.*

Secondly , They performe not the office the.'eof, for they agree

^ith the people onely to preachy and not to adminifler either the

feales or cenfures to them.

Thirdly i Their conmnngunto the people is in a fir angefort: for they make a covenant each with other for fome certaine jeares, and "^ hen that time is out , both parties are free ^ andfo may leave x>ne the other, and doe many times: bht «* true Paflour may not doe fo • Forifhejhouldhcyvereworfethan anhireli>.g vohich leaves nfitthejheepe till he fee thelVolfe camming. But many of thefe lichen they fee a richer LeSiureJhip commirig toward'- them.

Fourtnlyy Hethat usaTarfonoryicary is taken generally for the Aiinifier of the place. And truely, howfoever their calling be falfe and jinttchriftian ( as the Nonconformfts fay ) yet in many refpeHs they doe better refemble a true MiniTlcr than any LeQh-rerwhatfoever. Therefore not without jufi canfe^ doe the Reform Ntcef. of7>i^^bl, mills utterly condemne this extraordinary office of Preachers: p^g' 74. ey^ndaffirme, that they are neither Pajiours nor Tcuchers yfhich the Scripture alloweth of,

A N S VV 1 R.

THis point concerning Lefturers, I have purpolely deferred unto this place, becau(e it is diftin'^ from the former in youi" appreheufion, and in this yoti doe not pretend the Noncdnformilb principles, as you did in the former. The exceptions alfo which you take againft them, are not in re-fp(it of giftSjlcarningjOr diIigence,nor that they are brought

(8-f)

into the Church by Antkhrift, but chiefly in rcfpeft of tlv. office and Miniftei 7 it felfe. That which you objcft concerning the name, that it iis new ( a^ y ou doe before againft Par-fons. Vicars, and Curates, that they are Popjfli j u too flight tobcinfiftedupo.i. Forthefe and divers other names or titles gi'en to the Preachers of the Word, doc not notedifierent Minifter. J for fubftanee and kinde, but different accidents Isrhereby theMiniftersarediftinguiflhed, and fometimes the employment whereabout they are principally cxercifed. But the Miniftcry which is exei ciftd under thofe namcSj is for fubftanceonc and the (anie, which Chriit hath appointed and (et his Church. If an}' man hath not been able to answer this •>^eftion when it hath been propounded, what kindc of Miniftery the Lecturers have taken up, it was from his weak-nedc, not from the d "cultie of the matter. And this is no marvailc, feeing many Queftions fceme Riddles to you, which very eafily untie theiJielveSj or be knit in conceit one-ly. Asto the Papifts many Queftions touching the certaintie ©four P.tligion, the calling of our Minifters,the continuance of the faith, feeming Indiflblubki which a true hearted Ghri-ftian can quickly diflblve. But joh write »/>«?» certMne k*iorv~ ledge, that fame have ingenuoujly ci»ffc-Jfcd, that ttnle^e thev ke £''jAngelifis, they coftl<^ not fee how their Aiimflerj doth accord Xi'lth anjX^Hnifierj mentioned in the New Tefiament,

I am not fo diffident astodiftruft every word thacisfpo-ken, nor mult I be fo fimple as to beleeve every thing. In the quoting of mens words ^in writing, and giving the (cnfe of them, I finde you trip fo often ignorantly or upon (ct pur-pole 5 and fo many times to quote that as making for you, which is as direft againit yon as can be fpoken, that witfaouc breach of charitie, I may fu(peftfome fuch thing in this particular ; either that you miftooke their meaning, or mifrclate their words^ or fet downe your owne confequence for their pofition, or the likc^ Inftances of your miftaking enough hathbeene formerly mentioned, in this very place there be iwo^of no fmall note, nor hard to be difpreved. Firft you iay 5 The NonconformiFis condemne the calling of Parfons and Vicars (their office you meane j as falfe and AnticbriJHan, But their praftice and profeffion both, doth evidence thecoa-trary to the whole world, as hath beei:£ (hewed. Anc if you Will'miftake their v/dtings fo palpabiy and agayic and 3i^.?Ai\t

affirm*

C80

affirme thcni from thek writings, what is not there to be found, butisdiicft contrary «-o their judgcraent, writing and praSicc, how- csn we bcjeeve that you truely reporJ their Words. Secondly, you fay ; The Rcformt(is doe utterly conr aemne this extraordinary office ofTreachers, Leflurers you iin-dcrftand by cxtraordinaiy Preachers ; but extraordinary they are not, either in refpcft of their calling, cr the worke tvhcrcin they are imployed. And the NonoOnfbnmfts are (b rarrc from condemning that officejthat it is well knowne many, ifnot the greateft part of them, had none other calling, or office in the Church. And I prefume every reafonablc man, will conceive it an unlikely thing, that Co many godly and 'earned men, fuffering many ana great troubles again^ other ^^tiCes^ (hould chooft to live infuch a calling, again(t the light of ttifcir confcience. And you ^now fonic have maintai- C'*»- Nere^. afSe* nedj (whoiejudgementthercifi ana workes are approved by Z'*"''^'^' P'^- J4 j* others of the (ame ranke, ) That the Miniftery of godly Prea- 1/0**^ h ^ chers (and fo ofLeSurers) in the Churth cf Er.gUnd, in all not bjaflcd oitWit fubftantiall and eflentiall parts, is that very MIniftery which mms bon{:c, &c. Chrilt hath inftimted and ordained in the New Teftamentj ^^-/"^^ 1*4 This and which he hath blcfTed for the ^a^.hering and building for- '''^i '"""•^'^ "^^'^^

*^arat)f his Church in faith and holineffe. u^ wf?h""L ".

_ ., . . , n t r> r '^^ With. Atr. d-

^t^.i not then the common judgement of the Reformv.V^, gainft se^arat, nor the private opinion of any particular man of that minde, f^^g' 38, that Iliaveicene or heard of, that the office or calling of a Ltftur^r is tltterly to be coixlemned. Who the Author is, or \|rhatthe vi/orke which you quote, entituled, The Necejfitietf jb'lfcipline, { know not, nor what he faith.

-Perhaps you allcdge him, as you have done others wrongs fully ; It may be he fpeakes of fome circumftances, not of tlie lubftance of the calling. Ifhegoeany further, it is his private conceiCi and muft not be imputed to the Reformiits, aj you fHIethcm. i

We neede not- here difpute of the difference, betwixt the Paftonr and the Teacher, nor to enquire whether of thefe they arc to beefteemed, untill the difference betwixt them be exaftly defined, and fubftantially prove.!: If for lubftance o£ Minvlery they doe the workeof the Lord Jefus, and by his aj-'probatbn, this fufficcth.

■ fi:*\ then here it is to be noted, that the Officers of the ^.bwfdi are not fo '.I'llnguiftr^d by their fprciall limits and

(8<J)

Eufebilib,$,ca*io,

bounds, but the fuperiour may doe the office of the reft, if ne. ceffKie require. Aa if the Ibcietie be fniaUj meet Offici s can-| not ue h^tdjcr' e wanting for a tituo, or taken awaiy by death. The Pailour may fupply the rooraeot the Teacher, Elder, or Deacon, thatis^ he may teach, watch over the manners of th^ people, and take fneciall care rf the poore, as the Apo(lIe3 did for a time.

( Secondly, If thePaftour be aged, weake, fickly, un^bk to beare the bUrden of his charge alonci he may "ake unto hhn> withconlentof thefocietie andcolledgeEcclefiafticaii, Affif fMinlgndtidd ftgj.g q,. Helpers •. Vt ram frafma m fir^eftihUvarmttTt Hamni,ixmu.i. ^^^^ ^^ ahfrntibm ipfij^.EccCefia pafi-m^t^,defiitfita^-Mfet, delegerunt {foil. Afo^oli,) JL < coAdjmxureS^ : £luoH nomipofin^ tx Epiphanio ker^f, 27. 4pp<iret' Tales fuerunt hitreSjf^Umens, Linut, Clemsy j4ut,Ht np^er Attthor ait, Anacl(tus,^ Maxi-^ WHS helped cJ'W^r^i^W uftiill his death ; and Angufiim Vale, rius. And if the Paftour oe Tf;relefle or negligent^ i;?s law-lull for the peojJe to provldt for themfeives, by th^ beij: mcanesthattheycan, orGodis pleafed toaffprduntdthenii, that they rright be taught and inftrufted in the wayes of hor iinefle.

Thirdly, Paftours are to feede the flocke committed i^at^ their care, yet foas many Paftours may be let over on^AjcJ, which they muft feede in common. And to this purpo(e/onjp write, that the Apoftoliquc and Primitive times, kiieVinei-ther Pariftiionali nor Diocefan Churches, but Chriftian,s,J^ vedchen in Cities onely, not in Villages becaule of tj^cpciv fecution. And it is toberemcmbred,tha,tinRonje, Cotintj^ Ephefus, PhilippicColoflcj Theflalonica, and fuch other Cities, inhabited by Chriftians, there were more Paftours thajp otte* which did in common goyerne all the Churches within that Citie, and there ivas not any one Paftqur, who by Jiimr felfcj governed a ceitaine part of the Citie,peculiariy.§0^ed to hischaigc^* Thiis alfothe Ancients write, thut; Peter und /|wfif. ad TraiktK. ^~iitl, were the tifi ft Eilhops and Apoftles at Home. Taul. hafi Scxvm li.^.ca.i/^. J2nus and TimbthyyPeter,Clemens and Anaclctus, LlheriMf Eu/cb, hlfi.Ub. 6, s^nd Felix, both governed the Apoftolicall Seat: Valerius -and ■Augufii''e, Narcijfus and-.:^/fAy»<sip?^ in the Church of Kippo. It i? apparent, the Apoftles ordained many QYefifFrsiPi^'^? iocietie, and h is not repugr»3nt either to Scrjp|«rc orfea-•ibn/tb ihink&iljere migh the many i^aftgurscf one flockej

t' And

J difpufe, par.^,

■up.2.pag,i7&.

Aft. 10. 17,18. Phil. 1. 1. X Thef. J. IX. Aft. I J. 2. & ij. *. Col. 4. ii« lames f. 14. Epipha)uh<eref.t7-

9. Ut.

gratia):, Decret. part A. cap. 7. qu.i, (an* iz.

C87)

And the flockc might be one under the joynt care of many Shcphsards, though they ditf no't ordinarily mecte toget^>er in one place. For to aflcmble together in one place, is merre-ly accidental! to the unicie of a (bcietic: Certaine it is5in times of perftcution tlicy cannot fo meete ^ and it is moft probable. In the ^poftles times, many Churches were too populous in that mannel' to afiemble together. Thoic ':hat know the ftate of France in time of perftcution, doe well underhand that every Church almoft was gathered of Townes, whereof fome tt^crc fix mile?3 fome leven, fome more from the place of meeting, and keeping their Congregations. And therefore could not meete fb often, nor feaowonc another fo Well, as we by the grace of God may doe. '''»"^« ^ \ v.V Vi • i o^

Fourthly, No one Paftoar or TeaCh*!- h«h the povv^er of the cenfures belonging unto him, and whether the power of difpenfing che Scales belong to every Miniflier of the Gofpclj, Heave?t lo your confideration ( for I know not what you will refolve) but the a^hjall difptnfation of the Scales may be forborne by fome, to whom the right of difpetjeing doth ap-pcrtaine, fpecially when there be others at hand to doc that office. The Apoftles had power to baptize, but we may well thlnfi:^, they did not ordinarily baptize themfelves. It is poC-Cb!e(youfayj a man may be a true Ecclefwflicall Officer, ^l^d yet never doc the Services thereof. '••' /^^ ^ '. Fifthly, The Minifter of the Gofpcll is nr-^ made abfb-lutely a Minifter by the choice or eleftion of this or that peo-pis, but onely their Minifter for the time of his abode and continuance with them. Lay thcle things together, and then your exceptions againft the oflfice of Lefturers will vanilh. For if they have not the chiefe charge or cure of foules, they be not fole Paftours or Teachers of the flocke; but joyncd in care or charge with othe. s as Helpers or Afliftants, or chofen by the people to fupply the want of (uch is fhould, but doc not feed the flocke. If they difpence not the Scahs, neither is that neceflary in refpeft of their ftanding: for right and power from Chrift they have to difpence them, but in the execution of that power they may be hinJred, or forbeare it for a time. Ifthey leave their place being lawfully '•ailed to another flocke, itmay bewithconfentof thefbcictie and of the Church, and what then doth make ir unlawfuU ? or rPtJfc charge ftould beunlaA'fuI!, it doth not make tlfe Minift^y ftrange oj new, which is the thing in queftion, Shdi x^

Bilfon.perpet. Co-ver.ca.io.pa.t^ <, Every church with them bad many Prophetj,raftoua and Teachers, the number andreedc of the people, anu time fo requiring.

I Com. f 4,ij:,i^. Can.Netef.ofoe^ parat.pag. -.^6,

(88)

Sect. tl.

Neceflofiepdm, T'K** Minifierj tvhich is indituttd and fet up hfides thsfe

t^t' J*» 5 *; rvhich Cod hath appointed in hi4 fi-'ord, ii unlaypfuHandfalfe,

'^f^t the U^mjierj of Lecturers in England is iniiituted and fet

hefide thefe, "which Grdhath appointed in his Word, Therefore that

MtKtfiery %suu'ap fuJland falje. Thepropofitionisplaine anduft»

\-, deniable, i nd^e have their orvne irords to conjlrvte it. For thus

''"'■ they fay. All t he Mini fiery is by the Word of God, and not left to

the ivtlUfman to devife at their ple^Jio e., 46 appeareth bj that

-which it noted c/John, inhere the Pharifies comming to him,after

. that he had denied to be either Chrifi, ^r Elias, or another 'Pro^

fhet, conclude if he be neith'- Chrijl nor Elias, nor ef.ihe Pro^

JhetSy Vchy baptizefi tho^i ? lyuicl load been no good argument, if Q^Timi$ht have been of other funBion, than of thofe which veerc 7 CMbl I fid 6i ^^^^^yy^^t^^C^^*^^^^ an-iinltitfttedofGod, t^c, Againetodg-y l^ 'if *y ^'fTganotherMiniflery, .^^ > hat which ^od hath appointed,is condemned by the fecond(,Cf. tf.tridement.

The Afftmption is tkasproved. Firfi if th'ir LeBitrers have tak£K J.l Hcionfrofft the Mijhopi , and exercife by that power eneJ iy, then is their ojjlcefaife, by the reafons before laiddowne, Se-^ £ond[j.y If it be objeSled, th^t they never received tk* Prelates or-^ ders, or have relented thereof^ latif^cy. This proves not that th^ arc therefore true Afinifiers, Fur as'Jehu, though he didwell to fupprejfe Ah?bs idolatrie, yet in that he followed the wayes ofjc-roboam, he himfelfe continued Hill agro^e Idolater: Even fa, hewfoeverfome may privately report , that they fiand Miniflers by no relation to the.BiJhops,ystare theynotwithfiandingunlaw-full jMiniflers, feeing they were never eleEled, chofen, ordainei (according to Gods Word, If any reply, that they have their caUing of the ptcple: I anfrver, the thing isfurelyotherwife, asfljallpe manifefiedprefently. But if this ^ere granted, yet I den-f thatO' ny Church under heaven, hath power from C^rijl to ordaine fttc^ a kinde of i^iniftery, and therefore if any people fhould doe it^ feeing it is againfi the Scripture, it mufi needs follow ^ that it is an unlawfuU Mimfterj, andfo confequentlj not to be commHnicatfd Veith,

A N S VV B R.

Ou are ftrangcly taktn with this note; for you have brought nothing but a bar'? repctition,of what you have

C8p)

Aici over and over. If you fpcake of the fu jftantiall and effcn-tiall parts oftheMiniftery, it i8 freely granted, that the true Minidery is by the word of God, and lieavenly .But if you extend it to e^cry circumftantialJ order, whereby in this or that Sooietie, the Minifler is to execute the fuiiftion he hath rtcei-vcdofCodjitisnotapproved. Bacof this you need iiot to have made fo many words. To your afium^ dcnj anrwci hath been returned already.

Firft, That the Minifters of the Gofpell receive their office and authorities neither irora the Bifliop, Patron, pciople, or Colledge Ecclefiafticalij but from Chrift immediately, whofe iervant? they are, in whofc name they minifter, whofe flockc they attend, and who hath affi* cd them their worke. And if you receive your Miniftery from the people, as their fer-vant, from whom you derive your office and authoritie, and from whom you receive yourCommitiion; your MiniAery in that refpeftisno'efle falfe and antichriftian, than theirs that derive it from the oifnops.

Secondly, If Lefhirers have received ordination from the BiQiops, and be called and chofenby the people, theii calling isjujftandlawfuU, according to the rules of Scripture, and their Miniltery heavenly and from above, if they preach the ijicire faith, and feed the flocke of God. For they prcadithc puredo9:rineoffalvation, not by authoritie from men, buc Dy commiflion from the chiefe Shepheard and Bifhop of our ibules : theircallingmaybcjuftificdby the Word and warrant of truth, which (hall itand for ever; the more hainous «n(i fearefull is your finne, in matching the Miniftery df (iich men, to the idolatry of fehu.

Thirdly, You are bold to affirrae. That no Church undei Heaven, hath power from Chrift to ordaincfuchakindebf Minifteiy, &c. And it is tnie, the Church hath no power to ordaineany Miniftery; for Chrift is the Author and inftitu-tour oftheMiniftery for his Church. But your meaning is. That this kinde of Mlnlftery is againft the Scripture not ordained, and then ifwe call for your proofe, we have nothing here, but I deny it. You take up M' Br, (how vtell it becomes Can. Mecef ofSe-you, let the Reader judge ) as a bold Sophifter, becaufe he /''«''«^ p^g- i»7. makes flat deniall of exprefled truthes. As thus^I lay it is Falfe, I deny it, &c. Asif the weight of an argument were fufficien©-ly rt-movcd by empvy denials. But when you fliould mijfc^ ', M m pr<;prc

^roofe of wViat you iAffirme, it fufficeth you to fay I deny^ or

this proves it not : or I have proved from their writings;

when yon iiave falfified them onely. And if an empty deniall

be not fiifficient anfwer to an empty affirmation, it is very

SilfcnChrlfi.fuh' ftrange. Imayjuftlyfay to you, as D^ £t/foK to the Papift

pa.paui'f 41/ whom he anfwcred •, If great vaunts were found proofes, the

vlftory we'-e y uiirs; you have words and cracks at will, they

coft you uothing.

Sect. III.

AT-r-r ^f c.,Ar^. nrti^t it is Co Iprove it thus-. That ^mnifi^yuumai»fHlh fat ( ? ^fvhich none ntay lawfully. :'ve. But mne may lawfnUy hefim

'^ ^ the Minifiery of a LeSiftr-er, Therefore that Mimllery u mlarV'

lawfully The A^umpionforjhame, cannot be denied, If the nature efit he conftdered. F ■ as we hut even no^ faU, their LeBnrers take no charge ofaflocke uM hem, ih-y make covetta»t rpc^h th%, people, hut for a certaine tim. he peculiar Vcorke of a Minifler « 9iot by thepeople laid upon them, neither expelled of them. Jfa'/^y objeBy that they preach the F/ord. To this D^ Ames gives an attf fwer fully, that the preachi)}gpfthe (jafpell is not a "^ork^ peculiar to aJUinifter '.furfnchMM,i-frl<^M.e:rtcny uni^vni. vfygicc, may An^ ottghv to preach the Word, as occafion is offered, and not omly p-hdtfly, butyfakh he, in thepublit^tie (Congregation, &c,-

^^ 7T TE have here the fame thing ©ver againe, and when i y V aU is faid> it is but this, Idcnyir, or I fay it. The afliimption cannot for (hame be denied. The proportion 'rightly underftood is true and found, but it may carry divers conftruftions. As firftj the meaniLg may be. That Miniftery is for fubftancc unlawfull, which none may lawfully give to l?jch or fuch perfbns, fcil. to ^'jch as be unfit or prophane^ And in thisfenfe, the propofition is not found. For the Mini-ftciry is unlawfully committed to an ungodly .^an, an hypocrite, but the Miniftery it felfc is heavenly, and from above. Or the ienfc may be, That Miniftery is unlawflill which men may not lawfully give virtually or formally : And then it is ^eake; For Paftours and 1 eachers are the gifts of Chrift un-^his Churcbj from whom they ijecc've their office, and not

from

froni men. Or kmay beare this Cen&, TiiatiMiniiWy is.un-luwfiillj which none may lavViully glv'e;iii.ruch formea.and manneij as it is executed: And then it is lyable to exception. For of right the power ofadnjiniftration of tiie Sealcs and Cenftjres of the Church,belong to the Pa(tours,Teachers,and •^

Governours of the Church; when in the exccutpn of this office, chey may be hindt^d. It i3 lawful! to be an aflilhnt or helper to a Paltour for a time, when it is not la ivhill to give ♦■hcofficeofMiniftery toamanforatimeonely, and then to expire. To the afTumptionjThe Lefturers of whom we fpeak, have derived their office from the Lord Jefus Chrift, by the Miniftery of his Church, asinftruments, their entrance into it lawiijllj the ftrvice and worke itfelfe bolys the manner of performing it warrantable, an. theauthoritie they hav^e received the Hu'ie which Chrift hath communicated to the Mi-nifters of the Gofpell. To publilh the truth by way of inftru-£tion or exhortation, is not pe'-uliar vj the Minilters of the Qofpellj.but by authoritle,!<iir;TiiniUe6ally to pris^chispfecu-liartotheMIhifter. For theS^ripture joyneth together the

E reaching of theWord,and difpenfation of the Seales,as both clonging to the Offic£rs,who have received commiflTion from Math. tS. i^« Jefus Chrift. And ifprivate perfons may preach the Word in x Cor. ii this (enle, we lee no leafon why they may not adminiiler the Sacraments lifcewile, andfo the Governours of the Church (hall have power to doe nothing, which every private member of the focietie may not doe as well as they Lut Lefturers preach the Goljpcll by authoritie, and as men fet in office by the Lord of the harveft. And this may fufficc to fhew the va-nitie of luch exceptions as are taken a^mft our Church, f li-Miftery, and wormip, to prove it to bcnotrueCnurch, wor-jfhipa andMiniftery •, and how untruly and unjuftly the Non-Gonformifts are charged to lay the grounds ofthatralh and affefted Separation, which fome have run into. To examine ivhac argument is returned to D^ Jmef, M' "Daw: M' Br: is needlefle; for nothing of weight is faid againft them, but the fame things vainly repeated, with infolent fcoffes and reproaches , as if by evili fpeaking you hoped to get the victory. It is to be obferved generally you fay, that thofe which ftand Ca;u Hcccf. ofSel fosbadcaufesdoe after this fort ftilli-cproachthe Adverfa- fam.pag.iii, lies. Thus doe lUe Papifts the Proteftants, To the Proteftants

the

lhc?ut3t'4r'*8,iind fo they Uu, at here and in oififf writings u*

ClisJly. No'^ I WOiiW ( nrcic you to review your two ucjb,

^aS ip^akt ii; good earncftr Urhether in fcoffing, i^iprcai-

<';h?ng5 faIfifica::lonf, you dj- not ordlnarilr exceed

all men that ever you met with ^11 ; Gonfiderfe*

fioofly, and then let confcknccbc Judge*

U'^cther It be^hcnotcof agood

or evill cayfc, &c.

F I :j^is.

The T A B i. E,

'^•rH, 143, The f.'-'jftn" ef f^frription in the

t'f'ifi y^ars of ^atte Elizabeth,

In the ICCOnci x*arC. r^r/eJ fepar-h:*, and othr iroH-

T'^rie la^julnejfe of fet forMfS of T^:'fa>iti<j(4itieoj fet Litf^rpes^ ij,

prayer, 3. Coftcernirtg idols, an/if:^aratif>H from

.Ndnconformifij never Htterlj coffdcpt them, 2 3,24,2 j,

ftsdmy ufe of our (fomrnon Vrajer Of difeipiine ^rfft'/..- ueceffarle in a

'Booke, 7i&i5>l6. Church, ^:id hfyn^yrAnU.'.g'i.^-y^

Ncr fiUo^^'ed ftpar'itioH hecAufe of ^ us, 33>?5»37' GK-'.

fomeabujesy 10,22. Concerning the mmer, ar.d manner^

ThedifcHffingMnd difcover'mgof that £ather'n^ Churches, ^o,Htttc6^

araurmnt ufed a^ai*f/} the Con jom (^c*

p--ajffr bookst "i ii. ^^Mt.it was take.; 7'hs offce •f LeBurers jMfitd, 84,

ti&im^maims^^si^ssm^ismim^isias^

FINIS.

■^s&^yws^&im&^eimmimf&^mmssm

Brrai? in Part i.

P^igCi.Unr !,putOttt,(haU. p.7,Mirg.l.iaft,addelib.r.p,8. marg.at end, iMc ctKcpl.i.f^j.p./.tnaig. addefrcutc'^ p i.marg.addelcr.i3.11:54. Efa.aS.-^ yaer.jj.1^.17. r.44.1.4.addir!. * ,^. 1. i4.addthemoftof. p.jj l.ii,fornsith<:r read either p l.js.forrom, ••. ],y,\.x,. ourminiftcric is, infcrt> true, though. p.<^i,1.3!.j,patcu»_,notcP.<f4.1.7.c.ddcfani.p,8c.l.3J.addc in marg.j.p.^o.l.iz.rcad {haft, p.ioo !,!a^ "^r anfwcucd, r. cenfured, p. loy, 1.4,unto gcneralljaddc rulet, p. 109,1.1, for it.,»r, is it, p. 15^, 1.37, put out,not,p. 140,1,3 i.adde, it.

In f>art2.

P.ri.iS, pu:3!it^»ve,p.ii,l.34.fc' made, r. makes, p.i j,!,t4.ior former AnavC^r,r^ forme or matter, p. i^.l, 4. addc in/o. p.t^. 1,31, '"-r whs*i, r then.Jp. 3?. !.7, Tor conftitution -.inmtution,p. fo.l.iy.fordare r. doc. p.jt. 1.^. forpromifcd. r.pwt-e tfed,p,5c l^.for morcr. moft.p 72.1.z}. for more, r. were. PJi,\,n, for uifzcrf vered r, difcovercd.p .„laitlinei,Anaoaptifl..;: p;t4:i:ut :>jaeiii.

3J>

/